All of April has been Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, a fact that goes unnoticed by most. Before, to observe it, I’ve pinned the colored ribbons for this and other causes on my backpack as a gesture of support, but never has something hit home, until now.

Last week, I was furious at my inexperienced friend for putting herself in a predictable situation of alcohol and dark corners, furious at the alleged perpetrator for even being capable of committing such a crime, furious at the police department for almost rejecting her report because officers didn’t want to waste their time, furious at our mutual pals who didn’t take action and could only hope she was “all right.”

The Dalai Lama once said it isn’t enough to be compassionate; one must act. So I did.

As I was researching the resources available for survivors of sexual violence, I came across a line somewhat similar to, “Statistics become individuals. Abstract thoughts become action.”

Taking action and speaking out is the first step to decreasing sexual violence, says Mandy Mount, a licensed counselor and directorof the Campus Assault Resources and Education center at the University of California, Irvine.

“If you are a victim of a sexual crime, immediately get to a safe place and call the police or a support center like ours,” she advises. Hospitals also can provide physical exams that include a rape kit. For emotional support, it’s best that survivors confide in someone they trust for help. Physical actions such as not taking a shower or putting worn clothes in a paper bag - not plastic -are necessary to preserve the evidence.

“Sometimes this additional step can’t be avoided,” Mount adds. “A person that has just been raped is especially vulnerable and may have feelings of denial, shame and guilt.”

Others don’t always seek assistance immediately. Some were abused as children and are finally coming to terms with being able to share their experience comfortably. According to the 2004 National Crime Victimization Survey, 44 percent of rape victims are under the age of 18 with estimates that one in six are under age 12.

As minors, it’s crucial for caretakers and teachers to find aid for them. Often, instead of asking about abuse directly, one can see signs and symptoms. Xuyến-Đông Matsuda, a licensed clinical social worker from the behavioral health department in Orange County, Calif., offers guidelines of what to look for in possibly abused minors. Professional help always should be sought when making an assessment. Some warning signs:

* An abused child may suddenly have an abnormal knowledge of body parts or reenact sexual acts with dolls or other children.

* Behaviors can change in school and at home such as acting up, being withdrawn, constant nightmares or having an unexplained fear of adults.

* Physical symptoms can include strange bruising and itching around the genital areas.

Friends and family are a very strong support network, but sometimes they may not know what to do. Đông-Matsuda stresses the importance of not blaming the survivor.

“Listen to them and then give verbal support to validate their emotions such as ‘I can imagine how hard it is.’ Never, ever let them think it was their fault.

“In addition to insomnia, a sense of helplessness, depression and grief, a survivor can experience acute stress in the first four weeks depending on the severity of the incident. If it lasts over four weeks, it can lead to post-traumatic stress syndrome,” says Đông-Matsuda. This is when other networks should be sought such as professional mental health services and free nonprofit support groups.

In the past five years, about 58 percent of rapes have gone unreported. Why won’t some survivors come forward? They may feel embarrassed because the situation is so personal or they aren’t sure what would happen if they did try to get help, especially if they distrust the police.

“That’s why we at CARE offer services ranging from facilitation with the police, individual or group counseling and referrals to health and mental health facilities,” Mount notes. “All of this is confidential and has limits set by the individual.”

Statistics and psychological research show that it is essential for survivors to speak up and seek help, no matter how much time has passed since the incident. “The ongoing fear can become more pervasive over time,” said Đông-Matsuda, “and can impair major life functionings such as work or intimacy.”

Staff writer Nadia Nguyễn contributed to this report.