KELSEYVILLE >> April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Each year, in California and nationally, April is designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The goal of SAAM is to increase public awareness about sexual assault and to educate communities and individuals on how to help prevent sexual violence and improve healthy sexuality and relationships. The 2018 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month Campaign focuses on embracing voices, reaching new people in communities, and providing them with an introduction to unique ways to engage in ending sexual violence. All voices have power, and it starts with recognizing the power of the voice and embracing it. We are strongest when we raise our voices together, and that is why we are engaging new voices in the movement.
Everyone has a unique role to play in prevention and changing the culture. When we reflect on change and how we think and talk about the issue of sexual violence and consent, we can create a culture of respect, equality, and safety. This April we’re calling on individuals whose influence can play a critical role in changing the culture. These individuals can join in by helping the next generation foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality, and respect.
Family Advocates in the Rape Crisis Center suggest the following ways for individuals to take action and ways to engage:
1. Individuals can model supportive relationships and behaviors, call out harmful attitudes, and challenge the societal acceptance of rape and sexual assault.
2. Communities and businesses can take action to implement policies that promote safety, respect, and equality.
3. Individuals can turn their social media profile picture teal and invite friends to join by taking action during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
4. When you hear comments that blame victims or make light of sexual violence, speak up, so others know you don’t agree.
Also, individuals can join Lake Family Resource Center throughout April by participating in our awareness days and events:
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamations’ will take place throughout the county on the following dates and locations: Tuesday, April 10 at 9:10 a.m. at the Lake County Court House, Board of Supervisors Chambers, and Thursday, April 12 at 6 p.m. at the Clearlake City Council. Lake Family Resource Center would like to invite the public to attend and pledge to take action in our communities and stop sexual assault and other forms of abuse before they start.
Lake Family Resource Center would also like to invite the community to participate in Denim Day on Wednesday, April 25. You can help by “Breaking the dress code, breaking the silence,” by wearing jeans on Denim Day. For more information on Denim Day and various Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities, please contact Angelina Fagundo at 707-279-0563 x197.
LFRC Rape Crisis Center offers free and confidential services including a 24/7 Community Crisis Line (1-888-485-7733) that connects callers to trained sexual assault advocates. The Rape Crisis Center also provides individual counseling, safety plans, education, hospital accompaniment and law enforcement advocacy for all victims of sexual assault and their significant others.
Angelina Fagundo is a sexual assault family advocate for the Lake Family Resource Center.
