DAVENPORT, IOWA (March 28, 2019) — Sexual Assault Awareness Month will be observed from April 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019.
Family Resources’ Survivor Services Department is partnering with local organizations to raise awareness about sexual abuse and to educate about prevention strategies. The Family Resources Survivor Services Department will be out in the community on Day of Action, April 2, standing with survivors and educating the community. The community is encouraged to wear teal on this day to show their support for survivors of sexual abuse.
Family Resources’ staff will also celebrate Start by Believing Day, April 3, by hosting pledge booths at Clinton Community College, St Ambrose University, and Fareway Grocery in Muscatine. Family Resources staff will be asking community members to pledge to “start by believing” when someone says they are or have been a victim of sexual abuse. That evening, the community is encouraged to eat at Baked Beer and Bread Company in the Village of East Davenport, as 20% of all food sales will support sexual-assault awareness efforts at Family Resources. In addition, area libraries will host a display to raise awareness of sexual abuse throughout the month. A variety of other fundraisers and awareness activities can be found at www.famres.org/calendar.
Sexual abuse is any type of unwanted sexual-contact, including words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will. Every community member plays a role in preventing sexual abuse and establishing norms of respect, safety, equality, and helping others. “As community members, we must change the culture and ensure generations do not grow up thinking sexual abuse is a part of life. Sexual abuse is never okay. We believe you,” said Family Resources’ Director of Survivor Services, Ashley Odom. Family Resources’ Survivor Services Department offers services throughout a six-county area to survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, sex and labor trafficking, homicide, and other violent crimes.
For more information on Survivor Services, please visit www.famres.org. For 24-hour free and confidential crisis line response, please call 866-921-3354.
About Family Resources, Inc. Family Resources is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded in 1849 with a mission to strengthen children, families, and individuals by providing quality services that engage community resources to create effective solutions. Family Resources offers services in Cedar, Clinton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Henry, Jackson, Lee, Louisa, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa, and Rock Island County in Illinois. For more information, please visit www.famres.org.
