April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. According to a release from the Barry Eaton District Health Department, one in three women and one in six men in the United States experience sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their life. These numbers may be even greater as many survivors of sexual violence do not tell police, family, or friends.

Sexual violence is any nonconsensual sexual activity and can include sex acts with an individual who is unable to consent due to force, alcohol and drugs, or age. Sexual violence can also be unwanted intentional sexual touching or verbal sexual harassment. Sexual violence can negatively impact the health of survivors, who may experience chronic pain, headaches, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and more.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of sexual violence, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) at 1-800-656-HOPE can be reached as a 24/7, free, confidential resource. If you or someone you know is experiencing an emergency, dial 9-1-1.