April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAAM. Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not obtained or not freely given. It impacts every community and affects people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages. The perpetrator of sexual violence is usually someone the victim knows, such as a friend, current or former intimate partner, coworker, neighbor, or family member. It can occur in person or through technology, such as posting or sharing sexual pictures of someone without their consent, or non-consensual sexting.
This year, Women’s Center – Youth & Family Services of San Joaquin County is asking the community to help them raise awareness in two ways:
Teal Sand Project
WCYFS is inviting authorities, organizations, and partner agencies to bring awareness and open dialogues by displaying its Teal Sand Project. WCYFS is providing the sand, posters and its team is joining each partner to fill out the cracks or grout in a sidewalk, main entrance, or courtyard at the various locations. This campaign is being highlighted through the month of April in their social media.
Denim Day, April 27
WCYFS is inviting the community to join in this fundraising opportunity. Everyone is encouraged to wear denim on April 27 and pay $5, or ripped jeans and donate $10. All donations made to WCYFS will go to provide services to individuals impacted by sexual violence.
The term “sexual violence” is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape, and various forms of sexual abuse including sexual harassment.
Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
Every nine minutes, that victim is a child.
Two out of three sexual assaults go unreported.
Females ages 16 to 19 are four times more likely to be victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.
Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services continues its effort to bring real hope for eliminating the tragedy of sexual violence to create a future where all women, men, and children can live free from violence and exploitation.
Between July 2020 and June 2021, WCYFS responded to 71 sexual assault calls; served 841 participants affected by sexual assault; and served 99 minors involved in sexual exploitation.
To donate, go to their website: https://www.womenscenteryfs.org/
Need help? Call the Youth 24-Hour Helpline at (209) 465-4997.
Women’s Center-YFS is San Joaquin County’s only provider of free, confidential shelter and services specifically designed to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and homeless and runaway youth. During the last year, WCYFS provided services to over 3,500 participants through its various programs.
The mission of Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services is to build a stronger community by fostering the strengths in individuals and by acting as a catalyst to end violence and youth homelessness.
