Planned Parenthood Launches Six-Figure Ad Buy Including Resources for Survivors of Sexual Violence
For Immediate Release: Sept. 28, 2018
Follow A Day of Hearings that Could Resurface Trauma for Sexual Assault Survivors Across the Country, Planned Parenthood Provides Resources
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Planned Parenthood Federation of America is launching a six-figure digital ad buy in order to educate more people on how they can respond in a supportive and compassionate way when someone shares an experience of sexual assault, without adding to the shame and guilt that many survivors feel. The video, “Believe Survivors of Sexual Assault,” will run in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Maine, North Dakota, New York and Washington, D.C.
Statement from Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
Millions of women and countless survivors watched the Senate testimony, and for many, it was painful to witness. Sexual assault can be a traumatic, life-changing event. Thursday’s hearings will remind many survivors of their own trauma, and the shame and doubt that prevents far too many from coming forward. And the unfortunate truth is that too many people who do come forward with an experience of sexual assault suffer further hurt and humiliation by having their story dismissed, their integrity doubted, or their motives questioned. Seeing Dr. Christine Blasey Ford go through prosecution on a national stage is too close to home, and people across the country need resources to deal with trauma for themselves and their loved ones.
The public discourse around the accusations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has included troubling, harmful rhetoric and misinformation about sexual assault and survivors of sexual assault. As a trusted health care provider and educator, Planned Parenthood stands with and supports all survivors of sexual violence. We understand the impact that sexual assault can have on a person’s health and well-being, and we recognize how critical it is to correct misinformation and avoid shaming, victim-blaming, or stigmatizing a survivor if and when they decide to share their story.
As the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable reproductive and sexual health care, Planned Parenthood believes that survivors of sexual assault deserve compassionate, affordable reproductive health care and accurate, nonjudgmental sexual health information, including access to emergency contraception, rape kits, STD testing, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and abortion. We are committed to educating people of all ages on sexual assault and how best to support survivors.
To find a Planned Parenthood health center near you, visit plannedparenthood.org. To find additional information and resources on sexual assault, visit the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization at RAINN.org.
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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.