April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month–a month to honor the survivors of Sexual Assault and Child-on-Child Sexual Abuse, to those who are impacted, that they are not alone. Sexual Violence includes any sexual activity without consent. It can happen in person and online. It can affect all ages, genders, and backgrounds. 

More than half of women and one in three men in the world have experienced sexual violence throughout their lives. Since technology is considered a big part of everyday life, sexual violence is becoming more common. It includes each of the following behaviors:

• Online harassment and stalking
• Predators use online platforms, dating apps, or gaming spaces to target victims.
• Sharing intimate images without consent
• AI-generated sexual images and deepfakes

Child-On-Child Sexual Abuse

This new term, “Child-on-Child Sexual Abuse,” also known as “COCSA,” describes situations where a minor engages in any sexual activity with another minor without their consent. It can be anyone, whether a sibling, a cousin, or another minor. Keep in mind that while “COCSA” is widely used by survivors in the media, it is not yet a ‘real’ term. You may be a survivor of COCSA if you’ve experienced one of the following:

• You were pressured, manipulated, tricked, or forced into a sexual activity by another minor.
• Power imbalance—such as size, age, emotional development, or social status—that made it harder to say no.
• You were exposed to sexual content, touched inappropriately, or coerced into watching or performing sexual acts.

What Survivors Can Do

Whether the abuse took place decades ago, a year ago, a few months ago, or recently, you deserve to be heard, believed, and helped. If you are under the age of 18, consider speaking to a Professional or a trusted adult. If you feel unsafe speaking to a trusted adult, here are a few options that can help you: 

• Reach out. Any SA or COCSA survivor can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline by phone, chat, or text. It is free, anonymous, and available 24/7.
• Find a trauma-informed therapist. Talk to a school counselor or a therapist if it is affecting your mental health.
• Write it down on paper. If you feel uncomfortable saying it out loud, you can always write it on paper, in a message, or on notes.

You Are Not Alone

What happened to you doesn’t define who you are—your voice and story matter, whether it happened weeks, months, or years ago. You deserve support, understanding, and justice. There are people who believe in you, who care about you, who will stand by you as you heal.

Tip: Show support in honor of SA & COCSA survivors by wearing teal! 

Send love to survivors who aren’t ready to speak up, who feel or have been dismissed, have never told anyone, who are struggling mentally, who are trying their best to heal.