BREAK THE SILENCE.
SPEAK OUT.
April is
Sexual Assault Awareness & Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Our REACH Center and Child Advocacy Center help support survivors of sexual assault, abuse, human trafficking, and child abuse cases. We know first hand the emotional, psychological, and physical tolls survivors of assault and abuse experience, and invite you to learn more this month and speak out against assault, abuse, and gender violence.
The history behind the campaigns.
Child Abuse Prevention Month was first proclaimed in 1983 where child abuse and neglect awareness activities have been promoted across the country during April of each year.
In 1989, the Blue Ribbon Campaign had its early beginnings as a Virginia grandmother's tribute to her grandson who died as a result of abuse. She tied a blue ribbon to the antenna of her car as a way to remember him and to alert her community to the tragedy of child abuse.
The roots of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAAM, dates back through social change and civil rights movements gaining traction in the 1940s and 50s. Advocates sought out reform for race-based and gender-based violence.
Social activism around the issue of sexual assault continued into the 1970s, bringing with it support for survivors and awareness - with the first rape crisis center founded in San Francisco in 1971. SAAM was officially declared in 2001 for both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse during the month of April.
Behavior is the language of trauma. Children will show you before they tell you that they are in distress.
- Dr. Micere Keels
Assault & abuse by the numbers
You can make a difference in the lives of survivors
1 in 5 women have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lives.
81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.
1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Fewer than 5% of completed or attempted rapes against college women were reported to law enforcement.
1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18.
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Only 26.2% of men who experienced childhood sexual abuse disclosed at the time of the abuse.
67.5% of instances of rape are estimated to go unreported.
Use your voice to prevent it.
Break the Silence.
Speak Out.
So many instances of sexual assault and child abuse go unreported due to the trauma, fear, shame, victim blaming, self-doubt and more.
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Together, we can make a difference by believing survivors, challenging victim blaming, and respecting boundaries.
Believe Survivors ♥ Challenge Victim Blaming ♥ Respect Boundaries
I was 15 when my sister and I rented a room from a man. He told me he loved me... so we did things. He asked me to start doing things for his brother and his friend, he took pictures too.
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I was embarrassed and so ashamed but we had nowhere else to go.
- Recipient of REACH/CAC Services
When they told us our son had been abused by someone we knew, I can't tell you what I felt in that moment. It was incomprehensible.
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We were exhausted, confused and angry, but we were met by an advocate who was kind, understanding and reassuring. We left in much better shape than when we arrived.
- Recipient of REACH/CAC Services
Resources Available
Information & services available for support & prevention
Protect Kids From Abuse
Learn 7 ways you can help
Our programs & information
Join us for our community events
WHAT WERE YOU WEARING?
Art exhibit to dispel the implicit victim-blaming of that question.
About "What Were You Wearing?"
What Wear You Wearing? is an art exhibit based on student-survivor descriptions of the clothes they were wearing during their sexual assault. These stories were collected from survivors by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert at the University of Arkansas in 2013. Since the original exhibit geared toward college campuses, the showcase has expanded to dispel the victim-blaming that occurs with survivors of assault.
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The exhibition aims at triggering conversations to end sexual abuse and gender violence. "What Were You Wearing?" invites observers to see the outfits worn by sexual assault survivors at the time of their attack, confronting and refuting the implicit victim-blaming in that question.
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Join us for the "What Were You Wearing?" exhibit along with client artwork and the opportunity to share experiences and speak out. Light refreshments will be served.
When
Join us Friday, April 5, 2024
5pm - 8pm
Where
CREATE Gallery
398 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
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*Graphic Content Warning*
Please be advised that images and stories may be triggering for some individuals.
Pinwheels for Prevention
A symbol of hope & a carefree childhood
What's with all the PINWHEELS in the community!?
Pinwheels are a symbol of hope, safety, health and a carefree childhood we want for all children. In 2008, Prevent Child Abuse America introduced the Pinwheels for Prevention® campaign. It represents the childlike whimsical and lightheartedness we want for our children.
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Our Pinwheel Gardens represent our efforts to focus on positive family and community activities that support prevention right from the start to make sure child abuse and neglect never occur.
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Look for our Pinwheel Gardens displayed all throughout the community in local schools and businesses to raise awareness throughout the month of April.
Support Survivors & Prevention
Help make a difference
Your gift means we can bring hope to the 1 in 5 women who have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lives.
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It brings hope to the 1 in 6 innocent young boys who are sexually abused before age 18.
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It brings hope to the 200+ survivors of child abuse we assist each year right here in Columbia & Greene Counties.
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Without your support, our REACH and Child Advocacy Centers wouldn't be able to provide the resources necessary to assist survivors in recovery.
MHA of Columbia Greene is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.