Breaking the silence

APRIL marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time set aside each year to confront one of society’s most persistent and uncomfortable realities.

While the issue remains widespread, the way it is understood, discussed and addressed has undergone a profound transformation over the years. What was once shrouded in silence is now part of a growing national conversation, one that continues to push for justice, accountability and cultural change.

“Sexual violence is far from a relic of the past. Cases of rape, sexual abuse and exploitation continue to be reported with troubling frequency,” said gender professional Carlissa Farquharson.

“Statistics alone fail to capture the full scope of the problem. Many survivors never come forward, held back by fear, shame or a lack of trust in institutions. For decades, these barriers were reinforced by social norms that discouraged open discussion and often placed blame on victims rather than perpetrators.”

She said historically, speaking about sexual assault was considered taboo. Survivors were frequently silenced by stigma, dismissed by authority figures, or pressured to “move on” to protect family, workplace, or community reputations. Reporting an assault often came with serious personal consequences, including isolation and emotional distress.

But today, that silence is being challenged.

“I remember the first time I reported my supervisor for harassment and actual assault back in the early 2000s, and I had to leave my job, because everyone, including human resources (HR), sided with him,” Marsha W recalled. “He literally held me down and fondled me in the elevator, but nothing came out of it. It was an embarrassing time in my life, being a young girl and trying to get help, and not being believed.”

Awareness campaigns, survivor advocacy, increased media attention and changes in the law have helped bring the issue into public view, and things are changing.

“More recently, I had similar case, and it was like déjà vu,” Marsha said. “This time the attack was verbal, what I interpreted as a colleague making despicable promises of what he would do if he was alone with me. But I was no longer a naïve young girl, and when I reported this man to HR, it was the fastest I’ve seen the wheels spin, and he was dismissed after a hearing and investigation. Things had come full circle.”

Conversations around consent, abuse and accountability are becoming more common in schools, workplaces and online spaces, Farquharson said.

“Survivors are empowered to share their stories, and public attitudes, while still evolving, are shifting toward support and belief rather than scepticism and blame.

This cultural shift has been accompanied by meaningful legal reform. A major turning point in the Sexual Offences Act significantly updated the legal framework surrounding sex crimes. More recently, the Sexual Harassment (Protection and Prevention) Act marked another important step forward. This legislation provides clearer pathways for reporting harassment in workplaces, educational institutions and other settings, reinforcing the idea that sexual misconduct is not just a personal issue, but a societal one.

“These legal advancements signal a commitment to improving how sexual violence is handled,” Farquharson said.

And as we recognise the issue this month, we can appreciate that the law is gradually making it easier for survivors to come forward and seek justice.

“Sexual Assault Awareness Month reminds us that though awareness alone cannot end sexual violence, it plays a crucial role in breaking down the barriers that allow it to persist,” Farquharson said.,

“The contrast between past and present is undeniable. Where there was once silence, there is now dialogue.”