SASO

Education/Prevention

You have the power to be an Ally

Know the facts and challenge the myths about sexual violence

Understand that sexual violence is a tool to oppress others

Educate yourself about oppressive hierarchies: sexism, racism, classism, ableism, ageism, and heterosexism

Acknowledge where you have privilege in our society

Interrupt oppressive behavior by those around you

Support or join organizations focusing on social justice for oppressed people

Sexual violence is devastating and often has life long effects on victims.  One in 4 women and one in 17 men in Colorado will be victims of a completed or attempted sexual assault in their lifetime, and over 60% of sexual assaults occur when the victim is under the age of 18.  Survivors experience acts of profound violence, intrusion and humiliation, and often do not seek help immediately following victimization.  Survivors of sexual abuse and assault are 3 times more likely than the general population to experience major depression, 6 times more likely to develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and 13 times more likely to attempt suicide.  Children and teens face added risks of early initiation of sexual activity, low self-esteem, multiple sexual partners, poor contraceptive use, and teen pregnancy.

Youth bear a greater burden as victims of sexual violence, because young people live in a society where sexual violence is accepted and used to keep current societal hierarchies based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and ableness of body and mind in place.  SASO’s comprehensive program planning intends to develop and evaluate strategies that prevent sexual violence and/or the underlying intersection of oppressions that fuel sexual violence.  Our prevention programs name oppression as a root cause of sexual violence, and thus incorporate strategies to challenge all manifestations of oppression. 

SASO believes that for any prevention effort to truly work, we need to collaborate as a whole community to empower each other.  No More!  Because We (ALL) SASO.