Why We Are Changing the Conversation
63% of sexual assaults are not reported to police.
Among the many reasons a survivor may decide not to report, one of the most prominent is because they feel they won't be believed.
Many times when a sexual assault survivor comes forward to seek medical attention, report the crime, or simply tell someone in their lives, they are met with skepticism and blame.
Survivors will often only reach out once for help, and with 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men in Colorado experiencing sexual violence, it's no surprise that many feel it is "easier" to keep it to themselves.
Sexual assault is the only crime where the victim becomes the accused. It is common for victims to be asked about their attire, level of intoxication and sexual history among other items that contribute to the silencing of many survivors.
At The Blue Bench, we aim to change this behavior at a community level. When we, as a community, actively support and believe survivors, it sets in to motion a series of other events that will help us achieve an important cultural shift in how we think and talk about sexual assault. See how below:
Where We Are Changing the Conversation
Sexual assault is a community issue that demands a community response.
We play an important role in communicating with law enforcement, district attorney’s offices and hospitals as victim-centered responses are developed. We serve as a community resource for statistics and information around the topic of sexual assault, and we take the lead of raising issue awareness through our door-to-door education and outreach.
Our goal is to enlist all members of our community to become part of the solution, either through contribution to the cause or as informed and engaged citizens who help prevent sexual assault through their actions.
We hope that one day we will live in a world where sexual assault no longer exists. This starts by believing that victims are never to blame. Every time we change the conversation around the issue, and educate people of all ages about their role in prevention, we get a step closer to that day.
Become part of the solution by helping us change the conversation. Speak up if you suspect someone is at risk of being assaulted. Volunteer at an event. Encourage your friends, family and co-workers to get involved. Donate to help fund critical school programs. Each of these is essential and important.
