Saturday 5 April 2014

Ever Heard of Sexual Assault Awareness Month?

April is a Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and this is a campaign where activists raise the awareness levels of people on the dangers of sexual violence. During the campaign, activists educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. The 2014 campaign focuses on health, sexuality and young people. Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given. It is also necessary to understand that minors cannot give sexual consent because they are young. Thus, what one may think is a consent, may not be if the giver is a kid and therefore not old enough to give sexual consent. Young people are facing sexual violence at work, school as well as in the communities they live. 
Each year, Malawi registers so many cases of incest, rape, sexual harassment and forced early marriages.  Sexual Violence has also increased the perseverance rate of HIV and AIDS among young people.
Let me encourage my fellow young people to report sexual abuse cases to police and child rights institutions or simply dial YONECO’s free toll Child Helpline number- 80001234.
Speak Out Against Any Assault, Don’t look the other way!!!

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