SAAM Reminds Us That Abuse Comes In Many Forms

By Kayla Rowe, See the Triumph Guest Blogger      

As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) comes to a close, it is important to remember that being educated and aware of domestic violence and prevention for it should remain in the forefront year-round, although April allows the topic to be truly magnified. SAAM is an annual campaign that urges community-based organizations, government agencies, crisis centers, individuals and so many more outlets to plan events that will educate and inform the world on the issue of sexual violence and continue making strides towards prevention efforts.

But, although sexual assault is the main topic during this time, child abuse is also a still very much stigmatized topic that many are often nervous to confront. Confronting the topic means confronting the reality that this type of abuse is real and happening in our own communities. Bringing awareness to this can not only begin the movement towards erasing the silence surrounding the matter but can potentially save some children from thinking that they need to normalize what happens to them or keep quiet to avoid mockery or skepticism.

For decades, this month, annually, people worldwide have been doing just that regarding sexual violence. This month can also stand as a reminder that abuse comes in different forms and all are equally necessary to address and prevent. Let us all do our part to end the stigma surrounding such types of violence and abuse and continue to educate ourselves and others!

Kayla Rowe recently received a Bachelor’s degree in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a minor in Professional Writing from Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia. She is currently living in Greenville, North Carolina, and plans to attend graduate school to earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling with hopes to one day become a school guidance counselor for high school students.