Apr 4, 2023
Since 2001, Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been nationally observed, with initiatives around the country being undertaken in an effort to help spread awareness, promote sexual violence prevention, and encourage survivors and advocates to take action.
Last year, Dordulian Law Group compiled a list of nine recommendations for how to be a supportive ally to a sexual assault survivor you care about. Those recommendations included:
“Whether we want to accept the fact or not, sexual assault and abuse affects everyone – it doesn’t matter how much money you have, your ethnicity or religion, where you live, etc. If it’s not happening to you, I can almost guarantee that you know someone or are related to someone who has experienced some form of sexual abuse. In over 20 years of working in this field, I’ve come to realize that sexual violence is blind. And although you may not be aware of it, we’re all connected to it in some way. And that means we should all listen to survivors. And by listening, we become educated to the fact that this is something that affects all of us, and then the stigma is shattered, which is so critical. That stigma has definitely improved in recent years, but we have a long way to go in removing it fully so that more survivors feel comfortable coming forward. I think if we listened to survivors, they’d be much more inclined to do just that when they’re ready,” Dordulian said to RAINN.
Accordingly, if someone is taking the step of actually confiding in you, don’t pressure him or her to make an official report or file a lawsuit. In many cases, sexual assault survivors need months or even years before they feel comfortable coming forward with any kind of official report (if ever). That’s one of many reasons for California’s extension on the sexual assault civil statute of limitations and removal of the criminal statute of limitations. Survivors will report an incident if and when they are ready. Until then, just offering support can be sage advice.
For Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023, we’ve compiled some important phrases to say to survivors – courtesy of The Army of Survivors, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization whose work includes a range of important initiatives such as working to create and disseminate inclusive, diverse, and trauma-informed support related to sexual abuse in sport to athlete survivors, and taking steps to change laws that can better protect athletes and young adults. In addition, The Army of Survivors works tirelessly to bring awareness, accountability, and transparency to sexual violence against athletes.
Some of The Army of Survivors’ work includes:
They also provide technical assistance to many national and international companies and institutions including FIFA, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), World Players Association, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Apple.
Let’s take look at the phrases to say to help support survivors as provided by The Army of Survivors.
The following phrases have been identified by The Army of Survivors to potentially be used upon disclosure of an assault and throughout a survivor’s healing journey:
Additionally, The Army of Survivors notes through its Instagram page that sexual abuse trauma can impact anyone at any age. Moreover, trauma that was experienced at a young age can still affect a survivor years after the incident occurred – even as an adult.
The Army of Survivors also offers some extremely useful information for how friends, relatives, and advocates can support sexual assault survivors through action. Their recommended tips include:
To learn more about the Army of Survivors and provide support for this outstanding nonprofit organization, please visit their website at https://thearmyofsurvivors.org/. You can make a tax-deductible donation, get involved at the community level, and participate in programs to help support survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
A Los Angeles-area organization – Shield: Women’s Self Defense – is currently offering self-defense classes for local women, teens, and girls ages nine and above. The classes are aimed at helping women and girls adopt ways to defend themselves from a potential sexual predator. Shield offers private lessons, small classes, and corporate self-defense workshops for Angelenos and those in the surrounding areas. For more information, please visit the company’s website at https://shieldselfdefense.com/home.
Last year, California passed a new sexual assault law known as Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777). AB 2777 allows any adult survivor of sexual assault the opportunity to file a civil claim for financial compensation with Dordulian Law Group (DLG) – without being barred by the statute of limitations.
AB 2777 opens a three-year window for any sexual assault or other type of sex crime which occurred on or after January 1, 2009. Accordingly, from now until December 31, 2026, all adult survivors of California sexual assault may file claims with the experienced team of sex crimes lawyers at DLG.
A sexual assault civil lawsuit can be means of helping survivors obtain the justice they deserve while also recovering various financial damages:
Survivors of sexual assault have rights as well as options when it comes to pursuing justice for a past crime. Filing a sexual assault civil claim with DLG’s proven attorneys can be a preferred avenue which allows survivors to get justice on their own terms while also receiving compensation for the harm suffered.
Contact a DLG sexual assault attorney today for a free and confidential consultation at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. Sam Dordulian created DLG to be a different kind of law firm that specializes in supporting survivors throughout every step of the litigation process while also fighting tirelessly to secure justice on their behalf. As a member of RAINN’s National Leadership Council and a former sex crimes prosecutor in the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Dordulian offers survivors like you peace of mind through an unparalleled level of experience, commitment, and proven results.
Dordulian and his team of Los Angeles, California, sexual assault lawyers have helped survivors secure countless multi-million dollar sex crime settlements. Some of our recent case victories include:
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
We will fight aggressively to help you obtain the justice and maximum financial compensation you deserve for your sexual assault claim.
Contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM to take the first step toward obtaining justice for your sexual assault case.
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