Talk about eye-openers! I got one earlier this week while working on a story about a prom dress giveaway. In order for young ladies to get a FREE prom dress, they must attend a 2-hour dating safety class. So my first question to the organizers of this event was “How big of a problem is sexual assault during prom season.” I was shocked when I heard the answer. Apparently it’s a HUGE problem, but not only during prom seasons. It’s a danger young women face all year long. These are just a few of the startling statistics the sexual assault counselors were able to rattled off the top of their heads to me:

* 1 in 3 teen girls are victims of sexual violence
* Girls ages 16 – 24 are most frequently victimized
* Girls ages 16 – 19 are at highest risk
* 80% are attacked by someone they know

What’s worse, the sexual attacks on young girls are escalating.

Part of the problem, according to the counselors is young women don’t realize that gestures like a boy slapping them on their butt, or grabbing their cell phone to check on who they’re calling or who’s calling them are small scale forms of sexual abuse. Then there are the young women who feel pressure to “put out” to boys that are “nice” to them because they buy flowers or take them out to dinner.

Counselors say the dating safety classes are beneficial for both young women and men. They’ve heard from young men who’ve taken the class that they didn’t know some of their behavior was not only inappropriate, but also illegal. For example, they didn’t realize it was against the law to get a girl drunk and have sex with her. Hard to believe, I know. What are they being taught at home? Are they being taught anything?

The bottom line is, rape and sexual abuse ARE big problems facing young women. It would behoove teens and their parents to become educated about it. And why not get a free dress in the process.

There will be a prom fashion show Saturday, March 8th where girls can get a preview of the more than 600 dresses that will be eventually given away. The dating safety classes come later. For more information, contact Guardian Angel Community Services at (815) 729-0930 ext. 524.

Check out my report!