April marks a significant time in our calendar—it’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). During this month, we join hands to shed light on an issue that affects millions of lives worldwide. Sexual assault knows no boundaries—it intersects with age, gender, sexuality, race, and socioeconomic status. It’s a pervasive problem that demands our attention, advocacy, and action.
Understanding the Gravity:
To comprehend the urgency of this matter, we must confront the statistics. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Shockingly, the majority of these victims are under the age of 30. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real people whose lives have been forever altered by trauma. Our firm has represented thousands of survivors of sexual violence,
The Imperative of Awareness:
Creating awareness is not merely a symbolic gesture—it’s a critical step towards prevention and support. SAAM serves as a platform to educate communities about consent, boundaries, and resources available to survivors. By fostering an environment of understanding and empathy, we dismantle the culture of silence and shame surrounding sexual assault.
The Role of Civil Justice:
Civil justice plays a pivotal role in the lives of survivors, offering a pathway towards healing and accountability. However, outdated statutes of limitations often stand as barriers to justice. Many survivors find themselves unable to pursue legal recourse due to these restrictive laws. It’s imperative to recognize the unique and vital role civil justice plays in empowering survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. For every lawsuit we file on behalf of a survivor seeking justice, there are many more who contact us and we cannot assist them due to outdated statutes of limitations across the country.
The Call to Action:
As we reflect on the significance of SAAM, we must turn our awareness into action. Advocating for statute of limitations reform is one concrete step towards ensuring access to justice for survivors. By urging our elected officials to support legislative changes, we contribute to a more equitable and just society.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is not just a moment—it’s a movement. It’s a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to stand in solidarity with survivors and work towards a future free from sexual violence. Let us seize this opportunity to educate, advocate, and enact change. Together, we can create a world where every voice is heard, every survivor is supported, and every perpetrator is held accountable.
We encourage you to take action today. Pick up the phone, make a call to your local senator or representative, and demand statute of limitations reform if you live in a state that has yet to pass one. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference. Let’s make April not just a month of awareness, but a month of meaningful change.