By Ashley Wilson | Rise Above Violence
We begin by ending the silence.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month; this awareness month is intended to draw attention the fact that sexual violence is widespread and has public health implications for every community member of Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County.
One in three women and one in 71 men are survivors of rape. One in three teens will experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend this year; 32 victims of sexual assault were served by Rise Above Violence last year, but we know there are many more who do not come forward.
Sexual assault brings shame and doubt to victims. We as a community can be the voice for these victims and it begins by ending the silence.
Teal is the color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month; you will see teal ribbons lining main street this month as a symbol of the efforts to prevent and educate the community about this important issues. Join with Rise Above Violence in offering a collective voice that says sexual assault is not acceptable in our community. Wear teal to show support all month long.
Rise strives to not only provide supportive services to victims in our community, but education to youth and community members.
There are many ways to get involved this month. You can learn more at riseaboveviolence.org.
• Friday, April 1, 6 p.m.: Month-long push-up challenge launch party at Crossfit Pagosa.
• Tuesday, April 5: Day of Action. Wear teal to support survivors.
• Tuesday, April 5, 1:30 p.m.: County proclamation declaring April Sexual Assault Awareness Month for the county. In the commissioners’ meeting room during the county commissioners’ meeting.
• Thursday, April 21, 9 a.m.: Coffee Talk highlighting awareness activities.
• Thursday, April 21, 5 p.m.: Town proclamation declaring April Sexual Assault Awareness during the town council meeting.
• Wednesday, April 27, noon: Denim Day Walk at the bell tower.
We hope you will join us at one of the many events both to show support to victim in our community and to come together with one voice that says harassment, assault, and abuse are taken seriously and not tolerated in our community.
Rise Above Violence is a nonprofit organization which promotes the belief that all people have the right to live free from violence. Rise provides 24-hour support and advocacy services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or other forms of violence, serving over 350 victims each year.
Rise also works to eliminate violence through education for youth and our community. All programs and services are free and confidential including emergency prevention education and empowerment programs. Visit www.riseaboveviolence.org for more information or call (970) 264- 9075 to talk to an advocate today. If you want to be part of the team to help those in our community, volunteers for advocacy are always needed and welcomed.
