Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties

The New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault denounces the National Day of Rape promoted on social media. Threats of violence and making light of sexual assault are not new; however, the sheer volume of users and reach of the TikTok platform makes this trend especially alarming. It doesn’t matter if it’s a joke or not. This is another stark reminder that our work to combat rape culture and fight against the normalization and minimization of sexual violence is so nece...ssary. We must continue to create and nurture space where communities can prioritize supporting survivors and preventing sexual violence. Take sexual violence threats seriously. If you see any mention promoting sexual assault or violence, please report the person or site. Prioritize talking to children and youth in your life about how rape culture normalizes jokes and promotes sexual violence. Create space for prevention, respect and consent. Support the survivors in your community whose survival responses may be activated by seeing coverage of this. Reach out to the 24/7, free, and confidential New York State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence: 1-800-942-6906.