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 range from a series of honest conversations to an art and poetry show, and a fundraiser in conjunction with Panera Bread in Janesville.
“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 Kesley Hood-Christianson, Director of Survivor Empowerment Services for Family Services. “The events hosted 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.”
On Monday, April 11, survivors and their families are invited to participate in Out Loud: Real Conversations About Sexual Violence, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Beloit Public Library, 605 Eclipse Boulevard. The conversations will be separated into two groups, with one for youth ages six and up in the Riverside Room, and another group for adults in the Community Room. Participants are welcome to speak openly, honestly, and safely with a panel of trained professions. No reservations are required.
Additionally, the Green County Sexual Assault Recovery Program (SARP) is hosting a number of sessions throughout Green County titled Cup and Conversation. For more information, check the Green County SARP Facebook page, or contact Advocate Krista Bethke at 608-561-8718.
In support of services provided to sexual assault survivors, the Panera Bread located at 2753 Milton Ave. in Janesville is partnering with Family Services for a fundraising night on Wednesday, April 27. Between 4-8 p.m., 20% of purchases made online or in person at this Panera location will be donated to Family Services. In-person orders require participants to show a flyer, which will be available on the SARP Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/SARPWI. For online orders, use the code PRFUND.
The month caps off with an Art & Poetry Show, set for Friday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. live on the SARP Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SARPWI). The event offers an opportunity for survivors of sexual violence to showcase their art and poetry. Survivors who would like more information about being included in the show may contact Julie Reinhart via email at jreinhart@sarpwi.com or by phone at 608-364-1065, Ext. 2022. The submission deadline is April 20.
As part of Family Services, SARP provides treatment and services free of charge in Rock and Green Counties to women, children, and men, including the LGBTQ community. Services include crisis intervention and support with a 24-hour crisis line and on-call advocate; support groups; medical and legal advocacy; and community education.
In addition to SARP, Family Services includes the following: DEFY Domestic Abuse Beloit; Individual & Family Counseling Program; Praxis Employee Assistance Program; Youth2Youth 4 Change; and The Neighborhood Resilience Project.
Family Services is a funded partner of United Way Blackhawk Region, United Way of Green County, and the Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin.
The mission of Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, Inc. is to restore, sustain, and enhance the lives of members of the community by providing an array of empowering services that focus on prevention, advocacy, case management, education, counseling and therapy.