Why Awareness Matters: Sexual Assault in the Florida Keys

When people picture the Florida Keys, they often imagine turquoise waters, sunsets, and island time. What doesn’t come to mind? Sexual violence. But just like in every community across the country, sexual assault happens here, too—and often goes unspoken.

At Christina’s Courage, we believe raising awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have. In small, tight-knit communities like ours, awareness can mean the difference between silence and safety. Between fear and healing. Between prevention and trauma.

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Sexual Assault in Monroe County: The Numbers

While comprehensive, up-to-date statistics specific to Monroe County are limited, it's important to acknowledge that sexual violence is a pervasive issue affecting communities nationwide. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC):

• 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.
• 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime.

These national statistics underscore the importance of awareness and prevention efforts in all communities, including the Florida Keys.

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Why Awareness Is Critical in Island Communities

1. It reduces stigma.
Talking about sexual assault helps break down shame and encourages survivors to seek help without fear of being blamed or dismissed.

2. It empowers bystanders.
Education teaches people how to recognize signs of abuse, intervene safely, and support someone who discloses.

3. It prevents future violence.
Programs in schools, community groups, and workplaces that focus on consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships help stop violence before it starts.

4. It connects survivors to help.
Awareness spreads the word that free, confidential resources like Christina’s Courage exist—and that no one has to go through this alone.

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What We’re Doing in the Keys

At Christina’s Courage, we’re not just here after trauma occurs—we’re here to prevent it. Our work includes:

• Community workshops on consent and healthy relationships
• School-based education for teens and youth
• Training for law enforcement and healthcare professionals
• Support groups and therapy that help survivors reclaim power
• Events like Take Back the Night, where the community stands together against violence

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How You Can Help

Whether you live in Key West, Islamorada, Marathon, or anywhere in between, there’s a role for you in creating change:

• Start the conversation. Normalize talking about boundaries, consent, and safety with your friends, family, and coworkers.
• Volunteer or donate. Every dollar or hour you give helps us provide life-saving care to survivors.
• Attend our events. Showing up matters. Awareness walks, educational nights, and fundraisers keep the momentum going.
• Share our resources. You never know who in your circle might be looking for help—or who could become a powerful ally.

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Let’s Be the Kind of Community That Cares Out Loud

In a place as close-knit as the Keys, community means everything. When we break the silence around sexual assault, we make space for healing, growth, and change.

So let’s keep talking.
Let’s keep showing up.
And let’s keep building a Florida Keys where every survivor is supported, and prevention is a shared responsibility.

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📌 If you or someone you know needs help, Christina’s Courage offers confidential support.
[Get Help Now →]

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Note: For the most current and detailed statistics on sexual assault in Monroe County, please refer to the Florida Department of Health's CHARTS system or contact local law enforcement agencies.