BELOIT — April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and Family Services of Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois, Inc. is recognizing it with a variety of events designed to raise awareness of sexual violence.
The events include free family bingo in Beloit and Janesville; a Writer’s workshop in Monroe for anyone who has experienced emotional or physical trauma; and participation in Denim Day on April 26, part of an international campaign which encourages people to wear denim to spread awareness about sexual violence issues, support survivors, and educate themselves and others.
“We believe it is important for communities to celebrate Sexual Assault Awareness Month. By recognizing the month and hosting community events, we hope to provide validation to survivors while also educating others on how sexual assault can impact survivors,” said Kelsey Hood-Christenson, Director of Survivor Empowerment Services for Family Services. “These events that focus on sexual assault provide a safe space for survivors, advocates, and community members to come together to learn, process, and support one another.”
Two free Bingo family events in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness month are designed for individuals and families. On April 12 from 5-7 p.m., all are invited to play Bingo and enjoy food, drink, and prizes at the Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Boulevard, Beloit. On April 24 from 6-7 p.m., Hedberg Public Library will host a Bingo event. Hedberg Library is located at 316 S. Main Street in Janesville.
The Sexual Assault Recovery Program (SARP), a program of Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, Inc., will host a writing workshop for anyone age 12 and up who has experienced emotional or physical trauma. The two-day workshop, titled “We Are All Survivors,” will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 22 and 23 at the Monroe Theatre Guild, 910 16th Avenue, Monroe. The workshop is free to attend and designed to encourage participants to take time for themselves to address everyday stress or life-changing traumas.
Research has shown that writing can result in a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression; improve sleep and performance; and bring greater focus and clarity. Anyone age 12 and up is welcome. People who are 12-15 years old should attend with an adult. Basic lunch will be provided. RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary.
Additional information on the writing workshop is available on the SARP Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/GreenCountySARP. For questions or more information, please contact Paula Vestin by phone at 608-371-9004, or by email at pvestin@sarpwi.com.
Family Services is also encouraging people to participate in Denim Day by wearing denim on April 26. Since 1999, Peace Over Violence has run the Denim Day campaign in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court in which a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, what started as a local campaign to bring awareness to victim blaming and destructive myths that surround sexual violence has grown into a movement.
SARP serves survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking in Rock and Green counties.
In addition to SARP, Family Services includes the following programs: DEFY Domestic Abuse; Individual & Family Counseling Program; Praxis Employee Assistance Program; Youth2Youth 4 Change; and The Neighborhood Resilience Project. For more information about Family Services, visit www.familyservices1.org.
Family Services is a funded partner of United Way Blackhawk Region and United Way of Green County.
