It's Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Here's what a local expert wants you to know
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A rape kit. Photo: Courtesy of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
April marked the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so we asked a local expert to help set the record straight on misconceptions that can deter survivors from accessing resources.
Why it matters: Sexual assault can impact anyone, and this month aims to raise public awareness and educate communities on how to prevent it.
Jessica Pinto, advocate manager at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's Sexual Assault Services, debunked three common misconceptions that often get in the way of helping survivors:
- There is no requirement or expectation that an adult survivor must work with law enforcement to access help.
- There is no cost associated with the center's victim advocacy services or medical forensic exams.
- While the center must see survivors within five days for a forensic exam, its resources are available to all survivors — no matter how much time has passed.
The big picture: Sexual assault is "a crime that is completely preventable," if we educate people about consent and promote boundaries, Pinto says.
- The University of South Florida is hosting a number of events for survivors this month, from roundtables to "restorative activities."
Friction point: While the goal of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to educate the public about sexual assault and prevention, the White House's proclamation for the month included misinformation.
- President Trump's proclamation zeroed in on undocumented immigration and falsely described it as "one of the leading causes of sexual violence."
- "This month, we recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month by ending the unfathomable human abuse committed under open borders policies," he said.
Reality check: The majority of rape cases — about eight in 10 — involve perpetrators who are known to the victim, according to the Department of Justice.
- Multiple studies have also shown that immigrant women in the U.S. are more likely to be victims of sexual violence than citizens but are less likely to report it due to fears of deportation.
- Researcher Kavitha Sreeharsha wrote that increased immigration enforcement increases crimes against undocumented immigrants by creating a climate where people see "a window to exploit" them.
By the numbers: The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reported 145 rape cases to the FBI's central crime database in the past five years. Seven were categorized as being perpetrated by a stranger.
- In Hillsborough County, it was 84 of 993.
What they're saying: "We certainly know that folks who are in any type of marginal positionality are more vulnerable to experience violence," Pinto told Axios.
- "The biggest barrier that we see is that people are fearful to come forward and seek services," she added. "We do not ask about somebody's immigration status. ... We will work with anyone, regardless of their gender, race or immigration status."