Local organizations highlight Sexual Assault Awareness Month [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The month was dedicated in 2001 to raise awareness about sexual violence and educate communities and individuals about their role in prevention. The theme this year is “Building Connected Communities.”

According to the Administration of Children and Families, one in four women experience sexual abuse at some point in their lives. For men, it’s one in six.

The majority of sexual assault victims are under the age of 30, with ages 12 to 34 being the highest risk years.

“The things that come across in society, that it’s the survivor’s fault, because of what they were wearing, or choices they made, really don’t help put blame where it should go… [which] is on the person who caused the abuse. And, rather takes the focus and responsibility away from them,” Blaine Huizinga, the Sexual Abuse Awareness and Response Trainer at The Arc of Spokane, said.

For any victim that comes to The Arcfor …