April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
RAINN states that college campuses have unique circumstances that increase the risk of sexual violence. Starting college comes with a lot of unfamiliar territory and uncomfortable change, and there are so many accessible dangers that can fall into an unsuspecting student’s lap.
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted while in college. The Fresno Bee reported 23,047 students enrolled at Fresno State this semester. You do the math.
This epidemic extends beyond the college level. The CDC reports that nearly half of women and more than one in six men experience contact sexual violence in their lifetime. A study that went viral back in 2021 found that 97% of women aged 18-24 are sexually harassed in some form. 
These disturbing statistics hang over my head every day. I hate that this is something I and so many others have suffered through, and know firsthand that it’s extremely difficult to process.
This is why support is absolutely vital for victims of sexual assault — but awareness is just as important for prevention and breaking the cycle, as well as the stigmas that come with sexual assault.
Starting the conversation is just the first step. Fresno State offers support through the Student Health and Counseling Center, and anyone can call, online chat or text with the National Sexual Assault Hotline at any time.
