April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month – a month to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. As a women’s organization, raising awareness for this issue and supporting our friends and sisters is important.  

Sexual violence has fallen by more than half since 1993. However, every 92 seconds, someone in America is sexually assaulted. And every nine minutes, that victim is a child. Women ages 18-24 in college are three times more likely to experience sexual violence than women outside that age range. And among college women, nine in 10 victims of rape and sexual assault knew their offender.  

Whatever age you are, you can use the tips below to get involved and discuss this issue with those around you.  

• Take Action! It’s on all of us to change the culture around sexual assault. Take action by hosting an event, making a PSA or using any of the  opens in a new windowIt’s On Us tools to spark conversation on your campus or in your community.    
• Show you C.A.R.E. You have the ability to make a difference by intervening in a way that fits the situation and your comfort level. If you find yourself in a situation where someone looks uncomfortable or something doesn’t seem right, consider following the  opens in a new windowC.A.R.E tips from RAINN to intervene in any situation that appears unsafe.  
• Be a good friend. Trust your instincts. If you notice something that doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.  opens in a new windowLearn more about how to keep your friends safe in social settings. 
• Take the It’s On Us Pledge. Join the movement by taking the  opens in a new windowpledge and encouraging others to do the same. Commit to helping create a culture of consent, encourage bystander intervention and provide survivor support.  
• Utilize Kappa Delta’s Social Essentials Guide. Every chapter member and chapter advisor has access to Kappa Delta’s electronic Social Essentials Guide. Use this guide and the accompanying workshops to talk about sisterhood and safety and learn how to respond to instances of sexual assault or violence in your life or the lives of those close to you.  

While there’s no way to eliminate the chance that something may happen, there are strategies that may reduce your risk or give you the confidence to step in to prevent a sexual assault. Kappa Delta is committed to building confidence and inspiring action in those around us. Demonstrate those values as we do our part to end sexual violence.