Over 90% of all sexual assault victims are female. Such a traumatizing experience can lead to health problems such as PTSD, substance abuse, STDs, anxiety, and depression, and can also permanently affect the victim’s relationships with friends and family. The victim’s mind can be altered to believe it was their fault and their mental health can be significantly impacted. Rape is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and discussed.

I've attached a poem from one of my favorite poets, Erin Hanson, that I hope will stir up some emotions and bring into perspective the reality of rape culture.

With those beautifully written words sinking in, sexual assault is a growing problem in today's society. Everyone needs to remember that every rape case is more than the victim and the perpetrator. People are influenced by the world that they live in. Society and rape culture spur lustful thoughts while support networks and positive awareness affect a victim's recovery. Keeping that in mind, here are some reminders about the women in your life.

Women are sensitive.

Women have feelings, as anyone who has ever dealt with a one has probably figured out. But it’s more than that. Girls are taught from a young age to leave the heavy lifting and hard work to men. Girls are thought by society as too fragile to handle “a man’s work” and sheltered in their own homes. Women are sensitive because they’ve been molded into that mindset. And additionally, they’re just waiting for the right person to come along and show them that they don’t need to be afraid anymore. All they need is someone who can handle their emotions, sensitivity, and insecurities and someone who can show them that they are much more than a generic female. Whether that’s their best friend or their soulmate, doesn’t matter. Every girl just wants to feel special.

Women are powerful.

It’s 2017 and girl power has come along way. Women can vote, get a job, run for president, wear pants, show skin higher than their ankle, and just about any other silly privilege that seems like a basic right nowadays. Women are millionaires, actresses, NBA all stars, surgeons, politicians, construction workers, and every other male-dominated career. Women are strong-willed, hard-headed, and fierce.

Women are in danger.

Stats say 1 in 5 women will be a victim of rape. Don’t you dare blame all sexual assaults on the “provocative clothing” or “promiscuous behavior.” If she’s not running around naked literally asking for sex, no one has the right or consent to take that from her. A little bit of lust is present in every single one of us; it’s part of this corrupted world. It’s when someone acts on that desire that makes them alone 100% guilty of rape. In many cases, the victim is sexually assaulted by someone they know. Because of that, only a small percentage of rape cases are reported to authorities. These young girls and grown women are frightened, lonely, and put the blame on themselves, which can make reaching out for help a difficult step to take.

Women are precious.

This is something we all need to remember and reinforce. 1 in 5 women especially needs someone to remind them. Every single girl out there needs to know that despite the vicious, degrading society that tells them they don’t matter, they do. Every woman deserves to feel special and safe.

Help make sure that they do.

Even the smallest actions help to eliminate the negative stigma surrounding the female gender. Every contribution is a step closer to preventing sexual assault and protecting precious lives.

For more information on sexual assault awareness and how you can help please visit:

https://www.rainn.org/get-involved

http://www.nsvrc.org/saam/about

https://www.nsopw.gov/en/Education