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Building Connected Communities

Venita Garvin, Execuitve Director

Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence

 

The National theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is "Building Connected Communities." Every April, various activities are conducted to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault in our communities. Advocates focus on the statistics, the impact on survivors, and where to seek services for legal remedies or healing.

This year's SAAM theme emphasizes the importance of "intentional" work to build connected communities. We must be ready to face the unique challenges of building trust in communities that may differ from our own. We must reach out to marginalized communities who have not been invited to join us in the sexual violence movement.

Research has shown that a best practice in building connected communities is to address social and structural determinants, including education, income, employment, and community safety. These social and structural determinants impact where we live, learn, work, and play.

As we work collectively to build connected communities, another best practice is to vow to simply look out for each other to ensure everyone’s safety. This is a necessary action towards ending sexual violence in our communities.

 

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