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A candle-light walk to raise awareness about sexual assault |
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Written by Submitted to the World
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Tuesday, 24 April 2007 |
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One in three women, one-in four-girls, one-in six boys, and one-in eleven men will be victims of sexual violence at least once in their lifetimes. The month of April is designated Sexual Assault Awareness Month and was meant to encourage public education and public discourse.
Please join Tahoe Women’s Services on Wednesday April 25 in Tahoe City. We will participate in two global events to raise awareness for Sexual Assault: Denim Day California and Take Back the Night. The evening’s festivities will begin with a candle light walk at 7:30 p.m. at the Safeway in Tahoe City. Participants will walk with candles to the amphitheater at the Commons Beach where guest speakers will share their stories and inspire everyone who attends this powerful event.
What is Denim Day? On Wednesday April 25 communities around California celebrated Denim Day California, an international protest against an Italian High Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans.
The Italian Supreme Court dismissed charges against a rape suspect because the victim was wearing jeans at the time of the attack. The Court stated that “It is common knowledge...that jeans cannot even be partly removed without the effective help of the person wearing them...and it is impossible if the victim is struggling with all her might.” The judgment sparked a worldwide outcry from those who understand coercion, threats and violence go along with the act of rape. People around the North Tahoe area were encouraged to break the dress code and the silence on that day, and wear denim to work.
What is Take Back the Night? Take Back the Night is an international march and rally. It is a protest and direct action against rape and other forms of violence. By speaking out together participants raise community awareness as a preventative measure against future violence and advocate for the right to feel safe. The evening is dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women and sexual assault, while creating a supportive environment for expression and empowerment. Speaking out against sexual violence helps de-stigmatize survivors and encourages victims to come forward and get the help they need to heal; this is the true goal of Take Back the Night.
No one person, organization, agency or community can eliminate sexual assault on their own; we must work together to educate our community about what can be done to prevent sexual assault, support victim/survivors and their significant others, and ensure that no one is re-victimized. Increased awareness not only helps prevent violence, but also helps mitigate the negative effects on the victims and survivors. The consequences of sexual assault are seen in the personal, social, economic and public health arenas. However, 70% of survivors do not report the crime to police or seek support services. When survivors delay utilization of mental health, medical and legal assistance due to fear about what other people think, they are more likely to experience severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and long-term post-traumatic stress. Conversely, survivors recover a sense of well-being more quickly when they feel fully supported by family, friends and members of the community.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 April 2007 )
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