The Manitoba government is raising awareness of the serious issue of sexual violence. The Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre Colleen Arnold says this recognition is an important step. She explains people unfamiliar with men’s sexualized violence against women don’t want to know it exists so it’s critical to open communication about sexualized violence.  She says with the government recognizing this month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month it may get the conversation going.  Arnold adds you can’t change something if you don’t know it exists and the awareness will help influence more people to take action so she commends the government for wanting to affect change, it has been long overdue and we need to stop making excuses for rape and sexual violence and hold the rapists or the perpetrators accountable.

A new online resource You Have Options: Help After Sexual Assault offers information on how to recognize sexual assault, understand the criminal justice system, explore options to make a report and find counseling support and healing and is available at www.gov.mb.ca/youarenotalone.