TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, an annual campaign to bring awareness to a huge issue.
Mayor Sakbun, along with Council on Domestic Abuse, held a banner drop at Vigo County Courthouse Tuesday to signify the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
During this month, the Director of Sexual Assault planning at CODA, Alicia Marks, said they have many outreach events to let survivors know there is help available.
“Those who have experienced sexual assault, it can feel very lonely”, Marks said. “We try very hard to make our faces seen and known. It’s very important for survivors to know that service providers, law enforcement, anyone that comes to aid in their situations, do honor them, do respect them, and care, and want to walk with them.”
One of the programs that CODA has this month includes partnering with Indiana State to continue to try and reach a bigger demographic.
“We have partnered with ISU, so we are going to be on campus every week with the students”, Marks said. “We will be talking about prevention and education, as well as giving them tools to be able to know more about sexual assault awareness. Also, prevention, how they can take precautions, and where they can get help when they need it.”
Marks said the issue of sexual assault is common, so education and understanding are important to finding victims the help they need.
“Statistically, you are going to be someone that experiences sexual assault, or you’re definitely going to have a family member or friend who experiences sexual assault”, Marks said. “It is something that you need to have education on, and it is something that you need to be aware of. It is a difficult conversation, so the more that you know where to point people to resources and education that you have, the easier it will be to have those tough conversations. Then you can support your loved ones when they need you.”
If you, or someone you know, needs help with a sexual assault situation, you can call CODA at 812-232-1736. They have advocates on call, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week for sexual assault specifically.
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