2 weeks Ago
By Yolanda Edrington Every April, we mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on an issue that too often lingers in the shadows. As the CEO of Respect Together, I am honored to lead efforts that aim to support the needs of survivors and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Yet, as I reflect on the countless stories I’ve heard and the statistics of our work, I am reminded of the urgent need for advocacy and action.
Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can affect anyone. Nationally, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime. These numbers are not just statistics—they are individuals, families, and communities forever altered by the trauma of sexual assault.
At Respect Together, we work tirelessly to support survivors, advance victims’ rights, and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment to create lasting change. But we cannot do this alone. Sexual violence is preventable, but prevention requires collective effort.
This year’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month theme, “Together We Act, United We Change” highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. By working together in our communities, workplaces, and schools, we can create safer spaces and advance health equity. This is especially crucial for those impacted by systemic inequalities—including racism, sexism, and ableism—which contribute to higher rates of violence in certain communities.
In my work, I’ve witnessed how the absence of equitable resources deepens the impact of sexual violence, making recovery and justice even more challenging for survivors. This is why Respect Together’s two main divisions—the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)—are dedicated not only to preventing sexual violence but also to supporting survivors’ healing and driving systemic change to create safer, more just communities. Consider this: Pennsylvania spends millions of dollars annually addressing the aftermath of sexual violence, from healthcare costs to lost productivity.
Imagine if those resources were dedicated to preventing harm in the first place. Here’s how I challenge each person in our community to step up in support: Advocate for Comprehensive Prevention Education Support school programs that teach consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention. These lessons empower young people to respect boundaries and speak up against harm.
Invest in Support Services Organizations like Respect Together rely on community funding to provide trauma-informed services to survivors. Donations, grants, and volunteer hours directly impact lives. Engage in Conversations About Equity Breaking the cycle of violence requires addressing the systems that perpetuate it.
This means advocating for policies that support economic justice, racial equity, and survivor-centered legal reforms. Challenge the Stigma Survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment deserve to be believed and supported. We must reject the culture of victim-blaming and create spaces where survivors feel safe coming forward.
Every person deserves to live in a safer, healthier community that is free from the shadow of violence. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let’s commit to being part of the solution. We each have a role to play in building a future where respect, equity, and safety are not aspirations but realities.
Join me in this fight—not just in April, but every day. Together, we can honor survivors, challenge inequities, and ensure that the next generation grows up in a world where sexual violence is not tolerated. Let’s respect together.
Let’s heal together. And let’s build a safer tomorrow— together . Yolanda Edrington is Chief Executive Officer of Respect Together, formerly known as the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.
.
