Home Visiting: Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month #SAAM

According to the CDC “1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lives.” Delaware is not an exception to that statistic. Sexual assault and domestic violence are closely related and both deserve equal prevention. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence there is a significant domestic violence problem in Delaware. In 2013 police responded to 23,985 domestic violence incidents. To learn more about domestic violence in Delaware click here. Domestic violence and sexual assault can be confusing, so here are some answers to what is it and where can you find help:

What is the difference between domestic violence and sexual assault?

Domestic Violence: is a reoccurring pattern of intimidating or threatening behavior that is used to control another person in an intimate relationship. Domestic violence can include violence, sexual assault, economic control, or psychological/emotional abuse.

Sexual Assault: is a crime used to dominate others and is forced upon another person without their consent. Click here for warning signs and a list of forms of this type of assault.

How can you help yourself, friends, and family?

There are several campaigns to prevent sexual assault and spread awareness. One of the most popular campaigns is called “No More”. You have probably seen the No More Super Bowl Commercial. You can visit their website for information on how to spread awareness in your workplace, school, and community. You can also encourage your family and friends to contact these resources:

• Sexual Assault Network of Delaware (SAND): provides “Caring, Confidential, Crisis Support” in Kent, Sussex, and New Castle Counties. Call 1-800-262-9800 to reach the Kent & Sussex hotline and 302-761-9100 for New Castle County.
• Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence: can help you find resources for shelters, hotlines, and survivor support/advocacy programs.
• Home Visiting: has proven to reduce domestic violence in the household by providing support to families. Dial 2-1-1 to see if you qualify and to enroll. Home visiting is free and convenient for you. Providers can order home visiting prescription pads to refer and encourage families to sign up: https://dethrives.com/product/home-visiting-prescription-pad.

Dial 2-1-1 to enroll in home visiting, speak with a Help Me Grow specialist, and find more resources for you and your family. The call center will refer you to resources and locations that can help you and your family. After a week someone will follow up with you to make sure you received the proper information. Don’t hesitate to call if you need help or have questions about providing for yourself and your family.

You can promote home visiting and help me grow with these free posters, brochures, and more: https://dethrives.com/order-materials/browse

Be an advocate on social media by using #HomeVistingDE, #HelpMeGrowDE and #DEThrives. Let us know what you think on Facebook and Twitter.