VAWnet News Blog

Reunification after child sexual abuse is a topic that can bring up intense feelings, but the reality is that many who are convicted of a crime and sent to jail or prison do eventually return to their homes and communities.

We know that sexual violence affects every nation, population, and culture. But conflict and displacement can heighten vulnerabilities and diminish protective factors, increasing refugees’ and asylum seekers’ risk of experiencing sexual violence while decreasing or interrupting their access to vital survivor services.

On a daily basis, advocates are exposed to trauma through the stories of the survivors that we work with – whether the stories are heard in person, in writing, over the phone or through social media. Constant exposure to any type of trauma can take a toll on an advocate’s well-being. As advocates, we carry these stories in our hearts and usually do not realize that we are also carrying the effects of compassion fatigue.

As advocates working in the sexual violence prevention and intervention field, we know that all forms of oppression are linked (racism, classism, ableism, sexism, etc.). This is why it is important for service providers to understand the issues that intersect and have a huge impact on what survivors of sexual violence face in order to help them in their journey.

This May, let’s bring our attention to the importance of building and sustaining partnerships between domestic violence programs and anti-poverty organizations, as we celebrate and promote National Community Action Month. This observance was created by the Community Action Partnership (CAP) to reinforce the critical role of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) in helping low-income families achieve economic stability.

The theme of this year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign is Prevention is Possible. This April we hope to share the message that we can all stop sexual violence before it happens by addressing the root causes and social norms that allow it to exist.