In today's culture there are so many different concerns plaguing people both within the United States and all around the world; a universal call toward awareness for important health concerns, social causes, and support groups. In an effort to help spread the word about these very dire and, at times, personal concerns, =Obsidian-Siren and =peterdawes have started the Awareness Ribbon Campaign. Each week, we will introduce a new ribbon raising awareness for a specific cause, providing information on the cause and a way you can help.

Each Sunday evening, we will introduce a new ribbon into the spotlight. (Unless there is a demand to continue a specific theme for an additional week. Keep an eye on our journals for updates.) After introducing the next theme, we will submit a news article featuring all of the submissions for the previous week.

This Week's Theme - Sexual Assault



One explosive term forms an umbrella, underneath which we find the words "incest", "rape", and "abuse". It can impact child and adult alike; be part of a domestic violence dispute or a random attack. The victims all too often bear their crosses silently and the attackers can look as ordinary as you or me.

Specific Offenses: (May vary according to Jurisdiction)

Sodomy and Buggery · Bestiality · Rape
Statutory rape · Incest · Extreme pornography
Sexual assault · Public indecency · Adultery
Sexual Abuse · Child Sexual Abuse
Sexual harassment · Prostitution and Pimping
Deviant sexual intercourse · Child pornography
Child grooming · Prostitution of children

Here are some statistics on sexual assault:

* 1 out of every 6 American women and 3% of American men — or 1 in 33 — have been the victims of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

* 15% of sexual assault and rape victims are under age 12. 7% of girls in grades 5-8 and 12% of girls in grades 9-12 said they had been sexually abused. 93% of juvenile sexual assault victims know their attacker.

* In 2006, there were 272,350 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault. (These figures do not include victims 12 years old or younger.)

* Approximately 73% of rape victims know their assailants. And only 6% of rapists will ever spend a day in jail.

* Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.

Victims of sexual assault are:

* 3 times more likely to suffer from depression.

* 6 times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

* 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol.

* 26 times more likely to abuse drugs.

* 4 times more likely to contemplate suicide.

How You Can Help

* Create a piece of original art speaking out against sexual assault.

* Write a story, poem, or piece of personal commentary on the subject.

* Create a button or a stamp helping to raise awareness.

* Create a journal talking about sexual assault, helping to raise awareness.

Or, you can provide us with the link to something you already have in your gallery.

We will feature your deviation in the journals of =Obsidian-Siren and =peterdawes. We will also submit another news article at the end of this campaign listing all of the deviations submitted and thanking everyone who featured the campaign in their journals. (Be sure to note =Obsidian-Siren or =peterdawes with the links to all deviation submissions.)

If You Are a Victim of Sexual Assault

There is help available for you!

The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network has information available on their website and a hotline available for you, both online and via their phone number: 1-800-656-HOPE.

You can also search for a local rape crisis center/sexual assault help center here: [link]

If there is anyone out there who would like to tell their story, but remain anonymous, tell your story, if that is your wish, by letting one of us know and we will publish it for you without your name attached. You will be assured your identity remain anonymous. If you wish to have a voice, please feel free to use us.

Thanks once again for helping us bring awareness to these horrific acts of violence, whether it be women, men or children, everyone matters.

***

_{Please note, we know the teal ribbon also represents the fight against Ovarian Cancer. Since these are two very sad and common causes needing awareness, we will run a campaign for OC later on in the months ahead.}