April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

My latest novel, East of Apple Glen includes characters who have been sexually assaulted, but the story follows their journeys to defining their own lives, as opposed to letting their attackers define them.

Here are some stark facts from the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, RAINN, and Stop Street Harassment:

• 81% of women have or will be sexually harassed or assaulted during their lifetime.

• 43% of men have or will be sexually harassed or assaulted during their lifetime.

The sad truth is that either you have been sexually traumatized or know someone who has, and you want to be part of the conversation that leads to providing safe, supporting, and healing resources for those who have been victimized.

Thankfully, there are licensed therapists who support.

Thankfully, there are books to help.

Thankfully, there are communities that embrace.

And thankfully, there are people like you and me, who will listen. I am a retired pastor. For more than twenty years, I listened. I heard. I affirmed. I helped people get the help they needed to find joy, to live life fully, to heal, to “beyond” (that’s my special word — more on that later). 

Throughout the month of April: 

I invite you to consider along with me issues of assault, abuse, and identity, regardless if you have been victimized or know someone who is or was, and to contribute your thoughts. 

I invite you to consider how you can be an advocate for a person who is or has been victimized. 

I invite you who have been victimized to consider ways you can move “beyond” your hurt.

I invite you to share these messages and invite others to join in our conversation.

Let’s begin.

-Jon