April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and advocates in Washington County stress to educate that sexual assault likely won’t occur in some dark alley or with a weapon involved.

Eight out of 10 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim, and 55% of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Rape Victim Advocacy Program Rural County Services Coordinator Deanna Hansen works with victims in Washington County, and she says everyone reacts to sexual assault differently. Hansen says changes in behavior can be common for sexual assault victims, such as avoiding places they once enjoyed, and bed wetting in particular for children, “Changes in appearances, especially in kids. They kind of have this idea that, ‘If I don’t look attractive, then it will stop happening to me.’ So they cut their hair, they wear baggy clothes but then we also see kids go the exact opposite direction of acting out. But then they go and become ‘the perfect child.’ They do all their homework, they never break any rules at home or at school or anything because in their mind it’s like, ‘Okay, if I do everything right then this will stop.”

Hansen adds that it is rare for a child to first disclose the sexual assault to their parents out of fear for upsetting them. She also saw a large increase in mandatory reporting for child sexual abuse after schools reopened during the pandemic. Area law enforcement such as the Washington Police Department and Washington County Sheriff’s Office are sporting a teal ribbon on their patrol vehicles as a show of support for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and you can hear more from Hansen and County Attorney John Gish during a two-part Halcyon House Washington Page here.