Waukesha Women’s Center: April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

WAUKESHA, WI— The Women’s Center encourages everyone to take action this month in preventing sexual violence and learn how we, as a community, can come together to address this pervasive crime and create a safer, healthier community that does not tolerate sexual assault, according to a news release.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month(SAAM),held every April, is an opportunity to improve understanding, to dispel myths and stereotypes, and work together to prevent it.

“This year for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we are focusing on addressing rape culture, which is the values, beliefs, and behaviors in society that trivialize and normalize sexual violence. These are the structures that have enabled perpetrators like Harvey Weinstein to thrive for decades while so many people in his world were very aware of what he was doing," The Women’s Center’s Executive Director, Angela Mancuso said.

The Women’s Center has coordinated opportunities for community members to:

• Attend the virtual EmPower Luncheon on Wednesday, April 28 featuring Pulitzer Prize winning reporters Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, who broke the news of Harvey Weinstein’s decades of sexual assault and abuse for the New York Times. All proceeds from this event will directly benefit adult and child survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse, and trafficking through free TWC programs.
• Sign up to receive weekly virtual toolkits throughout April, which include resources that you can share to help build awareness about sexual assault such as graphics, sample text, and display materials.
• Participate in Denim Day on April 28 by wearing jeans to show solidarity with sexual assault survivors and as a statement that a clothing choice never excuses sexual assault.

“We want everyone to know that help is always available, whether it is immediately after an assault, months, or years down the line, through our 24-Hour Hotline and advocacy programs. Survivors of all genders, ages, and backgrounds will be supported, welcomed, and respected at The Women’s Center,” Mancuso said.

Visit TWCwaukesha.org for more information.