Column: We can all support survivors of sexual violence

Every April, Live Violence Free joins survivors, advocates, community-based organizations, campuses, businesses, and so many more across the United States to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Live Violence Free is dedicated to educating and engaging the community in addressing the widespread issue of sexual violence.

Sexual assault can take many different forms, but one thing remains the same: it is never the victim's fault. Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that occurs without consent. Forms of sexual violence include:

- Rape or sexual assault

- Sexual harassment
- Sexual abuse
- Unwanted sexual contact/touching
- Sexual exploitation and trafficking
- Exposing one’s genitals or naked body to others without consent
- Nonconsensual image sharing
- Words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will and without their consent

Consent is an ongoing process of discussing boundaries and what you're comfortable with. Although the legal definition of consent varies by location and circumstance, the general concept is always the same: consent is an agreement between participants to engage in sexual activity. At its core, consent is about communicating, understanding, and respecting another person's boundaries, and vice versa.

Every 73 seconds, a sexual assault occurs in the United States. Every 73 seconds. 1 in 3 Latine women (34.8 percent) reported unwanted sexual contact in their lifetime. 47 percent of all transgender people have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives. Nearly a quarter (24.8 percent) of men in the U.S. experience some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. In 2022, Live Violence Free supported nearly 100 survivors of sexual assault and provided nearly 500 services to survivors of sexual assault.

It is likely that we unknowingly cross paths with someone who is a survivor in our daily lives. At Live Violence Free, we believe one conversation can change a life. Our "One Conversation" campaign is a community education initiative to provide information on how to recognize the signs of abuse, how to support someone who may be experiencing abuse and encourage community-wide advocacy to support survivors.

The signs of sexual violence vary, but there are several to look out for:

- Sudden personality changes, aggressive behaviors
- Unhealthy eating patterns, like a loss of appetite or excessive eating
- Changes in self-care, paying less attention to hygiene or their appearance
- Withdrawn, depressed, and/or anxious
- Noticeable physical injuries
- Self-harming behaviors, thoughts of suicide, or suicidal behaviors
- Poor peer relationships
- Increase in drug or alcohol use
- Sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy

If you talking with a potential survivor of sexual assault, use the T.A.L.K method:

T - Thank them for telling you
A - Ask how you can help
L - Listen without judgment
K - Keep supporting

When someone listens to and believes a survivor, it can make a world of difference for them. Taking a survivor-centered approach empowers survivors by prioritizing their needs and wants. Abuse is never the victim’s fault. Believe, support, and trust survivors.

As a community, we can educate ourselves and educate others about all forms of violence and abuse. Join our One Conversation campaign to learn more about the signs to look for in someone experiencing violence and abuse and ways to support them. Become a One Conversation champion at https://liveviolencefree.org/oneconversation/.

I invite everyone in the community to get involved and support our mission by volunteering, donating, and educating yourselves and others. Together we can empower choices and inspire change.

- Dr. Chelcee Thomas is the executive director of Live Violence Free in South Lake Tahoe and Alpine County. More about the nonprofit can be found at https://liveviolencefree.org.