Our Voices Have Power

By Autumn Tyler, Hi-Line’s Help for Abused Spouses
This April marks the 23rd annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month. While we are all too aware of
how difficult this subject is to think or talk about, we also know our voices have power & starting the conversation is one step closer toward prevention. Talking about these issues openly will also help end the shame and stigma victims and their families face every day.
According to Montana Statutes, Sexual Assault is defined as when “A person who knowingly
subjects another person to any sexual contact without consent.” If the offender is convicted, the possible punishments include:

• On a first conviction for sexual assault: The offender shall be fined an amount not to exceed $500, or be imprisoned for a term not to exceed 6 months, or both.
• On a second conviction for sexual assault: The offender shall be fined an amount not to exceed $1,000, or be imprisoned for a term not to exceed 1 year, or both.
• On a third and subsequent conviction for sexual assault: The offender shall be fined an amount not to exceed $10,000, or be imprisoned for a term not to exceed 5 years, or both.

Sexual assault is a serious crime motivated by the offenders need to control, dominate, humiliate and harm, and it often occurs alongside domestic and dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking. People of all ages, races, gender identities and sexual orientations can be victims of sexual violence. It is widespread, its aftermath impacts every person in the community in one way or another and we all need to be part of the solution. Any space where people come together is a type of community, whether it be in neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, organizations, or even online spaces. Whatever work we can do to educate and connect these communities can bring people together and help reduce the likelihood of sexual violence occurrences.

• Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child (DOJ).
• More than 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men personally experience sexual violence on their lifetime(CDC).
• 47% of transgender people experience sexual violence (CDC).
• Women of color disproportionately experience sexual violence (CDC).
• Every year 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend. (NoMore.org).
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18 (NoMore.org).
• More than 50% of college sexual assaults occur in either August, September, October, or November (OPDV).
• 13% of all campus students experience sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation (Rainn.org).

Many survivors are unsure of where to go or who to turn to and/or they’ve had bad experiences
when seeking help. Your willingness to listen and help can be important to a victim in their healing and safety planning efforts. But while being willing and well-meaning is good, being ready to offer the kind of help and resources needed, while keeping yourself safe, is even better.
Just because the month ends, it doesn’t mean the work ends, and knowing the problem exists is
not enough. This country still needs to work on how we respond and react towards victims of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Hi-Line’s Help for Abused Spouses in Conrad, MT works diligently to break the silence and stop the cycle of violence by helping others improve personal and professional reactions, giving a voice and support to survivors and their families, and offering a multitude of different services, resources, and referrals. We also provide a variety of training workshops to educate anyone interested and to promote public awareness. For additional information and resources on Sexual Assault Awareness Month, call Hi-Line’s Help for Abused Spouses at 406-278-3372 or check out: https://www.rainn.org/resources or https://www.nsvrc.org/saam.