Be a Resource for a Teen to Encourage Healthy Sexual Development

Did you know that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “In the United States, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped in their lifetime and nearly 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced other forms of sexual violence at some point in their lives.” Sadly, most “sexual contact without consent” experiences happen before a teen’s 18th birthday.

 This year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month campaign focuses on healthy sexuality in teens as a way to prevent sexual assault: “Your Voice. Our Future. Prevent Sexual Violence.”  It’s all about teens understanding what a healthy sexual relationship looks like and who to turn to when you have questions or need help. It’s trusting in your ability to make your own decisions about your body and how to express yourself to your partner. It’s setting personal boundaries and respecting the boundaries of others. It’s understanding your rights and responsibilities in a relationship. It’s knowing how to separate fact from fiction in the messages you receive from peers, the media, and the internet. It’s finding adults and community resources you can trust.

How can YOU be a resource for a teen in your life?

• Model healthy sexuality and relationships
• Listen more and talk less
• Believe what your teen is sharing about sexual relationships and any problems
• Find ways to casually chat about the negative messages teens receive from the media and peers
• Explain how to set personal boundaries and respect the boundaries of others
• Be sure the teen knows what consent means and how to handle uncomfortable or difficult situations
• Share age-appropriate information about dating, contraception, STIs, date rape, domestic violence, and relationships
• Find out more: Overview of Adolescent Sexual Development (PDF) and for teens Safe Sex(uality): Talking About What You Need and Want (PDF)

If you or someone you know needs help: Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE for free, confidential, 24/7 assistance. You can also speak to someone via the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline 

If you are supporting someone who has experienced sexual assault: the RAINN (Rape, Abuse &Incest National Network) website has information on how to help a loved one and tips for family and friends of survivors. 

DenimDay is Wednesday, April 23, 2014! Wear jeans to school, work, or around town to help raise awareness about the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault.