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Sexual Assault Awareness

April was first declared as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in 2001. Since then, April has been a time to acknowledge the widespread prevalence of sexual assault nationwide and those who have survived sexual violence. Sexual violence includes a range of actions and behaviors including rape, child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, and sexual harassment. Sexual violence happens to people of all ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, religions, abilities, professions, incomes, and ethnicities. In 2015, it was reported from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Children's Bureau that 57,286 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in the United States.

In recognition of this important topic, the NCTSN has compiled a list of resources for children, teens, parents and caregivers, educators, child welfare and juvenile justice professionals, and mental health providers.

A list of external resources related to sexual assault awareness is available here.

NCTSN Resource

Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event

Type: Fact Sheet

Describes how young children, school-age children, and adolescents react to traumatic events and offers suggestions on how parents and caregivers can help and support them.

NCTSN Resource

Caring for Kids: What Parents Need to Know about Sexual Abuse

Type: Fact Sheet

Provides parents and caregivers with tools to help them support children who have been victims of sexual abuse, information on the importance of talking to children and youth about body safety, and guidance on how to respond when children disclose sexual abuse.

NCTSN Resource

Why Don't They Tell? Teens and Sexual Assault Disclosure

Type: Fact Sheet

Offers information about teen sexual assault and disclosure. This fact sheet outlines why teens don't disclose sexual assault, the benefits of disclosure, and how to support teens after disclosure of a sexual assault. 

NCTSN Resource

When NO is Not Enough: Information on Teen Sexual Assault

Type: Webinar

Discusses sexual assault that occurs within the context of ongoing relationships and those that occur in a one-time interaction (e.g., at a party, among casual acquaintances, friends who are not in an ongoing intimate/romantic relationship).

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