Layla, member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group, has written a powerful article looking back at April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and how its legacy needs to carry on throughout the rest of the year.
April was SAAM, a crucial time dedicated to raising public awareness about sexual violence and promoting prevention. This annual observance provides an opportunity for communities worldwide to unite, support survivors, and challenge the societal factors that contribute to sexual assault.
SAAM is more than just a month of recognition; it’s a year-round call to action. It encourages open conversations about consent, healthy relationships, and the importance of bystander intervention. By increasing understanding and empathy, SAAM aims to empower individuals to create safer environments and foster a culture of respect.
Throughout April, various events and campaigns take place, offering resources and support for survivors and educating the public on how to prevent sexual violence. From wearing teal – the official colour of SAAM – to participating in workshops and sharing information online, there are many ways to get involved and show solidarity.
Ultimately, Sexual Assault Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder that ending sexual violence requires a year-round collective effort. By working together, we can amplify the voices of survivors, challenge harmful norms, and build communities where everyone feels safe and respected.
Layla
Youth Parliament’s work around sexual abuse and violence
This topic has been an ongoing concern for Somerset Youth Parliament for a number of years, after disclosures by members from incidents in schools, colleges and communities across the county. Whilst survivors were predominantly girls and young women, Youth Parliament became aware of boys and young men who had been assaulted and were even more reluctant to disclose and seek help.
The group has begun to question the processes and practices in place across the institutions and services that young people use. Youth Parliament discovered a number of issues around professional training, and open, confident education on relationships, sex, respect and have worked alongside Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership, to address some of the immediate issues to improve free training offers to schools.
Unfortunately, the group recognised that there needs to be a huge shift in our culture from improved early education, understanding and supporting boys and men, attitudes to girls and women and the potential impact of sexual assault as well as the additional stigma on both boys and girls.
Support is available
If you have been impacted by this anything in this article, there is support out there. Mind offers phones lines and links to lots of support options www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/abuse/
