April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month. According to the CDC, nearly half of women and more than 1 in 6 men experience some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes. More than 4 in 5 female rape survivors and 8 in 10 male rape survivors report that it happened before age 25. While these statistics are difficult to hear, sexual violence is a real issue and these statistics are reflected within in our own Upper Valley communities.
When we talk about relationship violence in high school classrooms, we create space for important conversations. We examine the dynamics of power and control that shape abusive relationships. Abuse has a way of shrinking a person’s world. It chips away at their sense of safety, limits their autonomy, and restricts their freedom. These are not just ideas. They are real experiences that become easier to recognize when we talk about them.
Students often want to go beyond surface-level definitions. When the topic is sexual violence, their curiosity deepens. They ask thoughtful, sometimes difficult questions about impact, accountability, and healing. They want to understand how it affects people’s lives, not just what it means. Their questions show empathy and a real desire to learn. This kind of thinking is an important step toward ending violence in our communities.
Sexual violence can take many forms. It can be physical, verbal, or happen online. It can also involve pressure or manipulation. No matter the form, it is always about taking away someone’s choice. It creates fear and removes a person’s control over their own body and life. While each person’s experience is different, the main issue is the same: one person is trying to have power over another. Understanding this helps students see past common myths and better understand the problem.
Talking about these issues is important because awareness helps prevent harm. When we speak openly and honestly about sexual violence, we break the silence that allows it to continue. We can replace harmful beliefs with values like respect, consent, and responsibility. Awareness also gives students the confidence to speak up, support others, and make healthy choices in their own relationships.
Sexual violence affects everyone. Anyone can be impacted, no matter who they are. At the same time, people who cause harm can be found in any community. This is why prevention is everyone’s responsibility. It is not just up to a few people. We all have a role in creating safe and respectful spaces.
Building strong, connected communities is a key part of prevention. When people feel seen, supported, and valued, they are less isolated and more likely to look out for one another. Harm thrives in secrecy, and connection creates accountability. When people know others care and are paying attention, harmful behavior is less likely to occur.
There are simple ways we can help build these communities. We can promote a culture of consent by emphasizing bodily autonomy and respect in all interactions. We can challenge harmful ideas, like blaming victims or believing myths about sexual violence. We can also listen to and support survivors, making it clear that what happened to them is not their fault. Working together and speaking out helps create real change over time.
Education plays a vital role in prevention. When we encourage learning and open discussion, people can better understand sexual violence and know how to stop it. Bringing these conversations into schools, workplaces, and social groups helps reduce stigma and makes it easier to talk about these issues.
Ultimately, prevention begins with awareness, and it does not end there. Awareness can lead to action. Small, everyday choices can help build a culture of care and respect. When we choose to learn, speak up, and support others, we take important steps toward a future free from violence.
Peggy O’Neil is WISE Executive Director. Since 1971, WISE has supported people and communities affected by domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking within the Upper Valley. WISE is available every hour, every day: 866-348-9473. You don’t have to be in crisis to call.