YWCA and Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Every two minutes, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.  One in six women and one in 33 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and a good time for Broadneck residents to be reminded that the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is located in Arnold on Ritchie Highway, in the building next to the Post Office.

The YWCA’s sexual assault program provides many services to victims of sexual assault and sexual harassment, including:

- A 24-hour hotline;

- Crisis intervention;

- Hospital accompaniment;

- Legal accompaniments and advocacy;

- Counseling services;

- Information and referrals; and

- Support groups for survivors of rape, sexual assault and sexual abuse.

Sue Holoubek, a sexual assault community educator who provides training to groups at churches, community meetings, schools and colleges, said sexual assault takes many forms.

“Usually a sexual assault occurs when someone touches any part of another person's body in a sexual way, even through clothes, without that person's consent,” she explained. “Sexual assault in any form is often a devastating crime. Assailants can be strangers, acquaintances, friends, or family members who can use violence, threats, coercion, manipulation, pressure or tricks.”

To mark this month’s awareness goals, there will be a special free showing of the movie “Speak” for the community next Wednesday at 1 and 7 p.m. in the Florestano Building, Room 101, on the Anne Arundel Community College campus. After the movie, there will be an open panel discussion on the issues raised in the film.

On Saturday, April 16, volunteers are encouraged to participate in the “Walk a Mile in Her Heels” awareness event at 9 a.m. on the AACC track. New high heels will be provided for men and women in which to literally walk a mile.

There are other ways of supporting the YWCA as well, including:

• Donations:   The YWCA accepts both monetary and in-kind donations as well as gifts of stock and estate planning.
• Volunteering:  There are a number of opportunities for volunteering, including event planning, participation on the board, tutoring, providing childcare, van driver, reception, and providing professional services.
• Membership: Local residents can join as a member to experience the rewards of involvement such as recreation classes, mailings, volunteer opportunities and more.

For more information, click here.