Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month! This annual campaign strives to raise community awareness about sexual violence and to educate on means of prevention as well as ways to support victim/survivors. YWCA Lancaster is proud to partner with the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR) to provide resources and ways to get involved throughout April and year-round!

YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center (SAPCC) is Lancaster County’s designated rape crisis center per the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR).

SAPCC provides therapy, counseling, support groups, resources for trafficking victims, medical advocacy, legal advocacy, and a 24-hour rape crisis hotline at no cost for victim survivors, significant others, and community members.

Services also include prevention and education workshops and series that address cultural norms that contribute to sexual abuse, harassment, and assault.

Ways to Get Involved

Adult Survivor Gathering

On the first Monday of each month, YWCA Lancaster’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center will be hosting a gathering for any adults who have experienced sexual assault. Join us for a special Sexual Assault Awareness Month Adult Survivor Gathering on Monday, April 1st, 7-8pm.

This gathering is intended to provide survivors with a safe space to connect with peers who have shared experiences.

Clothing & Comfort Drive

Month-long!

YWCA Lancaster is accepting monetary donations and NEW clothing or comfort items throughout April to support victim survivors of sexual abuse receiving medical care at local hospitals.

Click here for the full list of new clothing items we accept.

Donations can be dropped off at the front desk of YWCA Lancaster from 8am-5pm.

110 N. Lime St. Lancaster, PA 17602

Breaking Silence - Open Mic Night

Uplift the voices of our community on the impact of sexual harassment, abuse, and assault and share your own work!

April 5th, 6:30pm – 8pm
Read Rose Books

23 N Prince St. Lancaster, PA
No registration necessary.

Sign-ups are available at the event.
For event inquiries, contact Theo Brown (they/them)
tbrown@ywcalancaster.org

Crepes, Coffee, and Care

April 12th from 8am-5pm,

A portion of each check at Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie will be donated to our Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center, continuing a long-standing tradition. Thank you to Rachel’s for their support throughout the years!

Rachel’s Cafe & Creperie

201 W Walnut St, Lancaster, PA 17603

Our Voices, Our Choices - Children's Book Readings

Join us at locations across the County for book readings about personal safety, boundaries, and loving yourself!

“Little Unicorn” by Aurélie Chien Chow Chine
Wednesday, April 10th, 10:30AM-11:30AM
Lancaster Public Library
Read by Women of Achievement Honoree Sobeida Rosa

“Same Love, Different Hug”
by Sarah Hovorka
Sunday, April 21st, 11:00AM-11:30AM
Pocket Books
Read by Women of Achievement Honoree Fran Rodriguez

“You Matter”
by Christian Robinson
Thursday, April 25th, 3:30PM-4PM
Aaron’s Books
Read by Women of Achievement Honoree Chelsea Christmas

Our Voices, Our Choices - Adult Book Discussion

Join us at Pocket Books for an in-depth book discussion!

Adult Discussion:

“Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands” by Kate Beaton

Thursday, April 18th
7:00PM-8:00PM
Pocket Books