SWEETWATER COUNTY — In 2021, YWCA of Sweetwater County assisted 70 survivors of sexual assault in the county. Sadly, more than half of those 70 victims were children.

Each year YWCA employees have been attending city council meetings asking both the City of Rock Springs and City of Green River to proclaim April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). YWCA Development Director Kayla Mannikko said in an effort to raise awareness, the YWCA has been asking for proclamations annually for at least a decade. On the national level, 2022 marks the 21st anniversary of SAAM.

During a recent proclamation presentation, Mannikko informed the Rock Springs City Council that a sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds in America and every 9 minutes, a child is the victim. Meanwhile, only 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.

“We can prevent sexual violence, but in order to do that we have to first spread awareness and education,” Mannikko said.

Mannikko said the best way a community can help survivors is by simply believing them. False reporting of sexual assaults is low with 90 to 98 percent of the survivors telling the truth.

“Many sexual assault survivors are afraid to come forward for fear of not being believed, or being blamed for what happened to them,” Mannikko said. “If you’ve experienced an assault or feel confused about a questionable sexual situation, know that you are not alone. Resources are available to you.” 

Sexual violence is sexual activity when consent is not obtained or freely given. It is a serious public health problem that impacts lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. Sexual violence impacts every community and affects people of all genders, sexual orientations and ages, according to Mannikko.

YWCA not only uses public meetings as a way to raise awareness, but to inform residents about local and world-wide events.

Mannikko is encouraging residents to also participate in Denim Day, which is Wednesday, April 27. On that day residents are encouraged to wear denim to show their support for sexual assault victims. The Denim Day campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim, she said. Since then, Denim Day has become a day where people are encouraged to wear denim to combat victim blaming and educate others about sexual violence.

Mannikko also encouraged residents and Council members to participate in the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week 8th Annual Run with the Badges 5K/10K races, which will take place on April 30 at 9 a.m. The race will start at the Young at Heart Senior Center and was created to bring awareness to all victims of crimes.

After informing the community and Council about upcoming events, YWCA members passed out teal bracelets. The teal bracelets represent one’s support for survivors of sexual assault.

“Teal is the nation wide color for Sexual Assault Awareness,” Mannikko said. “We encourage individuals to wear them in support, but also to bring awareness of sexual assault.”

For more information about National Sexual Assault Awareness month, click here.