April: Sexual assault awareness month

Common myths are:

women asked to be raped.

Men can't control their sexual urges.

Males should be in control.

Victims are to blame.

Children are seductive.

These are a few of the beliefs that excuse rape and child sexual abuse. By excusing these acts, we allow violence to continue. Don't help another person justify sexual violence by joking about it, or excusing it. Don't deny existence of sexual violence.

Sexual violence is a learned behavior, not instinct. Stop the abuse. Make change happen.

(Provided by: Programs for Peaceful Living, a nonprofit organization that advocates for nonviolent society and offers information and support for victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence.)