Twenty-five years stronger … and still going

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Each year, Mountain Crisis Services continues to bring awareness surrounding sexual violence, by honoring survivor voices and educating the community on this type of crime.

National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has set this year’s theme as “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward,” celebrating the resilience of survivors and the communities that have worked for change.

Mountain Crisis Services has been providing vital support to survivors of domestic violence since 1990. In the early years, services were largely volunteer-driven.

After the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994, Mountain Crisis Services was able to hire its first three salaried staff members in 1995, strengthening its ability to respond to the needs of survivors in our community.

Although the organization was initially funded to address domestic violence, staff and volunteers quickly recognized a growing need for services dedicated to survivors of sexual assault. Survivors in Mariposa County needed compassionate support, advocacy and access to resources during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

In 2008, Mountain Crisis Services partnered with its sister agency, Valley Crisis Center in Merced, and was awarded funding through the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Rape Crisis Program. This grant made it possible for Mountain Crisis Services to expand its mission and provide 24/7 crisis support for sexual assault survivors throughout Mariposa County.

Sexual violence is more common than many people realize and affects individuals of all genders, ages and backgrounds. National data shows that hundreds of thousands of people experience sexual assault each year in the United States.

In fact, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted approximately every minute, and more than 400,000 people ages 12 and older experience sexual violence annually.

Research also shows that sexual violence has lifelong impacts on survivors and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in five women and one in 31 men in the United States have experienced attempted or completed rape during their lifetime.

These experiences can affect physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, employment and overall quality of life.

These statistics are only what is reported. Many victims of sexual violence will not tell anyone their story due to retaliation, victim blaming or the fear of not being believed.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Throughout the month of April, Mountain Crisis Services will have teal ribbons available for community members who would like to show their support for survivors.

The “Day of Action” is April 7 and people are encouraged to wear teal.

Local residents can join in by wearing teal, posting a photo on their social media and tagging Mountain Crisis Services to help raise awareness and show support.

Denim Day will be marked on April 29.

What is Denim Day?

In 1999, an Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction. The justices felt that because the 18-year-old survivor was wearing “very tight” jeans, she must have helped the 45-year-old attacker remove them, thereby implying consent.

Enraged by the verdict, the women in the Italian Parliament launched a protest wearing jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court. Their protest inspired others, and wearing jeans on this anniversary became an international symbol of protest against inaccurate and destructive attitudes about sexual assault.

Businesses and community partners are encouraged to participate by wearing denim to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault.

Show your support by wearing jeans and speaking out against sexual violence.

Mountain Crisis Services will be hosting Denim Day by going out to businesses and taking pictures with individuals wearing “denim.” Pictures will be posted on our social media pages to highlight your support and help raise awareness in our community.

If your agency or business would like to be a part of Denim Day, reach out to us by email at melina.winchester@alliance4you.org or call us at (209) 742-5865 to reserve your photo timeslot (if needed) and teal ribbon/sticker count.

Be sure to check out our social media pages during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. We’ll be sharing statistics, educational posts and resources.

Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors and strengthen our community.

If you are survivor of sexual violence and need support, call our 24/7 crisis hotline at (209) 966-2350.

Melina Winchester is a counselor at Mountain Crisis Services.