Planned Parenthood stresses that silence is not consent

4th May 2015   ·   0 Comments

By Kelly Parker
Contributing Writer

Every two minutes, someone is sexually assaulted in this country, states Raegan Carter, Senior Director of External Services in Louisiana, Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, and teens of color are more likely to experience sexual assault; which is defined as an involuntary sexual act in which a person is coerced or physically forced to engage against their will.

Throughout April, public awareness has been raised about sexual violence and education on prevention has been stressed.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC) is calling for broader access to sex education that addresses issues of consent, and policies that support survivors of sexual assault.

“I think (in general) there is a lack of awareness regarding sexual assault, whether it’s an adolescent, young professional or an adult,” Carter told The Louisiana Weekly. “There’s definitely a lack of awareness in Louisiana, and in the country. It’s such a major issue-which is why public health researchers came up the idea of Sexual Assault Awareness month.”

The first official awareness month took place in the U.S. in 2001; though protests outside the states advocating the cause goes back to England, in the late 70s.

The NSVRC (National Sexual Violence Resource Center) has provided resources to help individuals and organizations plan (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) SAAM activities in their communities and play a role in prevention throughout the year; using teal as its official color.

Many public health campaigns have picked up momentum over the years because of increasing data and statistics regarding incidents.

“By their 18th birthday, one in four girls will be sexually assaulted and one in six boys will be sexually victimized,” Carter says. “It’s data like this that is increasing awareness,” Carter adds. “Unfor­tunately, Louisiana‘s data is in line with the national trend.”

According to PPCG, 11 percent of girls and four percent of boys in high school report having been forced to have sexual intercourse at some point in their lives. Accord­ing to a recent analysis, wo­men ages 18-24 who aren’t in college are 30 percent more likely to be sexually assaulted than their college-educated counterparts. How­ever, according to Carter, national trends are showing that sexual assault is increasing on college campuses.

“Every day at Planned Par­ent­hood health centers and community outreach education programs, we provide info to adolescents, to college age students and parents about reproductive and sexual health education,” Carter states. “Within those sessions, we talk with them about protecting themselves from sexual assault and knowing the proper information about their reproductive health, their reproductive rights around these issues.”

Planned Parenthood understands the impact that sexual assault and unhealthy relationships can have on a person’s health. Staff at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast health centers proactively screens for sexual assault and intimate partner violence, and make any necessary referrals in a safe setting.

“Sex education is so important in teaching adolescents what it means to say yes and what it means to say no,” Carter told The Louisiana Weekly. “One of the big issues around talking to people about this what it actually means to consent. We stress in our education sessions (and during this awareness campaign) that silence is not consent and ‘I don’t know’ is not consent.

Carter also mentioned a campaign within SAAM that’s focusing on enthusiastic consent.

“It’s changing that stigma around (no means no) which is putting that negative connotation on it,” she adds.

The campaign suggests that consent is a whole body experience; not solely demonstrated verbally. Silence and passivity do not equal consent. Consent is possible only when there is equal power and not manipulation.

“Everyone deserves a sex life that is safe, healthy, pleasurable, and consensual,” Carter said. “We work every day to ensure that all people have the education and resources they need to make healthy decisions about their bodies, as well as access to sexual health services without shame or judgment. The ability to enjoy healthy relationships free from sexual assault is a reproductive health, rights and justice issue. In order to address sexual assault in this country, we need to advocate for policies, programs, and resources that encourage a culture of consent, where consent is the norm and survivors are supported,” said Carter. “We must make it clear in schools, workplaces, and communities that sex without consent is sexual assault and it is unacceptable.”

The resources provided by Planned Parenthood are available during SAAM and thereafter.
For more information, visit www.ppgulfcoast.org.

This article originally published in the May 4, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.