April is sexual assault awareness month and things are different. We are mostly confined to our homes as we wait for our local, state, and federal authorities to determine for us all when we get back to how we lived previous to this virus arriving. This virus has done one of two things for those who have endured abuse prior to coronavirus becoming such a common phrase in our daily lexicon.

For those who endured abuse where they live, the shutdowns and limitations on movement ensure that they will be in the presence of their abuser more often and may get little respite from their presence and abuse during this time. These are the ones that will endure acts that are horrific while the rest of the nation complains about the lack of being able to go to their favorite restaurant or get a haircut. When this ends these are the ones that could make an outcry for help as they seek to escape the nightmare of who they had to be near to for the duration of the emergency declarations. When the restrictions end, those who have close contact with children should be especially mindful of what a child may have endured while isolated in their home.

Those who endured abuse outside of their home during these shutdowns are likely content with the situation as they do not have to be in the presence of or endure the abuse of those who have abused them before the restrictions on movement were put in place. This could an opportunity for those in the home to listen to why a child does not wish to be around an extended family member, day care worker, church volunteer, minister, or family friend. The reason could be silly or serious. Children often have strange reasons for not wanting to be around someone which could seem suspicious.  Many times, one might find their child does not like a trait that someone else has rather than having experienced an abusive situation. Other times a child may not want to be around an individual that they previously loved being around. If there is a significant age difference, the reason for this should be probed further.

Both type of survivor described above deserve to have someone who is watching out for them, an individual who looks out for their best interests even when there is pressure to look the other way. What they are looking for and what the world needs more of are good watchmen who will sound the alarm when things do not look right. The most challenging skill a good watchman must acquire is the ability to speak and take a stand against a group that wishes to remain silent and do nothing. A good watchman lives Ephesians 5:11 by not only avoiding evil deeds, but also exposing them. As it appears as if the month of April will be past when most of the country is able to freely move about let’s not forget to be aware for those who have endured sexual assault.