Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center plans Sexual Assault Awareness Month events
By Rachelle Hughes
Denim Day and Shine a Light on Sexual Assault events will continue Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center’s awareness activities for Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April.
On April 25, a nationwide movement spearheaded by Peace Over Violence to “wear denim with a purpose” will support sexual assault survivors and education about sexual assault. Denim Day began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.
For the past 19 years, Peace Over Violence has declared a day in April as Denim Day as a way to protest social attitudes about victim blaming. They have invited politicians, students, businesses, and community members to join others across the nation in this awareness event. Over 285,000 people have registered to participate at denimdayinfo.org in 2018.
Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center employees will join this one day stand of solidarity by wearing denim and encouraging other community members to join in this powerful statement against sexual assault. They will run an all-day social media campaign and invite community members to submit photos of them or business office employees wearing denim for a photo collage. The center will also be providing awareness stickers to businesses who are participating as an office. For more information, contact rachelle@ccwcc.org.
Then on April 26, Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center will hold its first Shine a Light on Sexual Assault event from 6 to 8 p.m. at Main Street Park.
“Canyon Creek invites everyone to join us in sharing messages of solidarity and hope for the common vision of ending sexual violence in our community,” said the organization’s victim services director, Kaitlin Sorensen. “The event is meant to be a safe place to leave a message, story, or have questions answered as well as to encourage and uplift all those who have been affected by the trauma of sexual assault, whether that is as a survivor or as a friend or family member of a survivor.”
During the two hours of the event, messages of hope, experiences, and inspirational quotes submitted to Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center from community members will be on display. There will also be an opportunity to share a message at the event. A lighted path will join the two pavilions to represent the journey of healing that needs to take place in every survivor’s life. Advocates working for the center will be available to answer questions and offer information on sexual assault awareness and resources for help. Messages can be submitted prior to the event at ccwcc.org/get-involved.
Canyon Creek Women’s Crisis Center provides advocacy services and emergency shelter services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Iron, Beaver, and Garfield counties. Services include emergency housing, food and clothing, crisis intervention, information and referral, legal and medical advocacy, support groups, and assistance in creating safety plans and service plans to achieve independence and self-reliance. Crisis help is available via the 24-hour crisis line at (435) 233-5732.
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