The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Genesis House Executive Director Ang Braun stated it's important to talk about the issue, but is unfortunate that women have to think with that mind set when going out somewhere.

"Some of the things that we talk about here quite a bit are letting someone know where you are going and who you are going with," said Braun. "Something you just take for granted is not going out by yourself. If you are going out to a club or party, make sure you have a friend that is keeping track of you and a friend who you are keeping track of. That way there will be no time lost if you're suddenly not there somebody will start looking for you immediately and that could prevent something from happening."

A few other tips to ensure that you remain safe are;

- Practice security at home by always keeping doors and windows locked.
- Do not open the door to strangers.
- Always pay attention to your surroundings.
- Use the buddy system when going out in the evening.
- Walk with confidence and stay in well-lighted areas.
- If you are in danger, try to attract attention to yourself:  scream and run if you are able.
- Carry a personal safety alarm.
- Never go alone with anyone you do not know well or trust.
- Avoid illegal drugs and excessive drinking. If your judgment is impaired, you are at greater risk of -being sexually assaulted.
- If you are being stalked, immediately call the police (keep a record of all incidents).

Braun noted with technology at the level it's at today, we need to be careful what we say and do with people on the Internet.

All of the responsibility doesn't fall on the shoulders of the person who maybe being sexually assaulted. As bystanders we need to make sure we are there to support and stop things from happening.

"If you are at a party, whether you are male or female, if you see someone put something in someone's drink or someone starts to take advantage of someone that's had to much to drink and isn't in the position to say no. They may be passed out. We should stand up for that person and say that's not okay. As bystanders we have a big role to play there as well in preventing and stopping a sexual assault from happening," said Braun.

There were 1,356 sexual assaults reported to police in Manitoba in 2015, according to Statistics Canada, among the 21,362 sexual assaults reported nationally.
In Manitoba, there were 104 sexual violence victims for every 100,000 people in 2015, whereas in Canada the rate was about 59 people per 100,000. Manitoba is known to have a high rate of sexual violence and sexual assault against women and girls.