April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. During this month, the Center for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Survivors will be joining with people throughout the state and nation to focus the public’s attention on this important issue.

Sexual violence is a crime of epidemic proportions. It affects everyone. Sexual Assault does not discriminate. It knows no racial, economic, social, or age barriers. It exists in all neighborhoods, cities, and countries. According to a study conducted by the National Victim Center, 1.3 women in the United States are forcibly raped each minute. That translates to 78 an hour, 1,871 a day, or 683,000 a year. Of these assaults, at least 84% are committed by someone the survivor knows. At the Center for Survivors in 2009, approximately 19 adult, 53 adolescent, and 27 child sexual assault survivors received crisis intervention and support services. This number represents only those victims who came to us for assistance; the majority of sexual assaults go unreported.

We all have a responsibility to end sexual assault. Action may be as simple as donating money to assist victims or volunteering time at the Center for Survivors. This month sexual assault prevention advocates will be raising public awareness of sexual violence and letting survivors of sexual assault know that they are not alone and that help is available.

Several activities have been planned throughout April to raise awareness of sexual violence. Many local business employees have donated money to participate in Denim Days throughout the month and wear jeans to support survivors of sexual violence. A “Take Back the Night” vigil, which is open to the public, is scheduled for noon on Monday, April 12th at CCC. Revolution will be performing a dramatization, which may not be suitable for young children. Whether we’re aware of it or not, all of us know someone who has been the victim of sexual assault. Come join us support victims and the message of nonviolence.

For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities or if someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the Center for Survivors at 1-800-658-4482/(402) 564-2155. We provide free and confidential services 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Dates to Remember in April
Denim Days                          Clothesline Project
-Throughout the month      -Display at various locations

April 5th-9th                       April 7th
-Child Abuse Prevention     -Revolution Presentation for
Month; Pinwheel display     St. Mary’s Youth Group, Leigh
at the Center

April 8th                              April 12th
-”Day to End Sexual            -Sexual Assault Vigil at CCC
Violence”                            12:00pm in the cafeteria

April 20th                             April 22nd
-Revolution Presentation     -Annual Meeting
for Crime Victim’s Rights
Omaha 1:30pm-3:00pm