Reflecting on Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024
As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) comes to a close, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the impact we've made together in raising awareness and supporting survivors. At YWCA Lancaster, our commitment to ending sexual violence and creating a safer community for all is unwavering. Here's a recap of the key moments and messages from our SAAM campaign:
Spreading Awareness, Empowering Change
Throughout the month, we've worked tirelessly to spread awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and the resources available to survivors. Our events, awareness campaigns, and educational workshops have reached hundreds in our community, empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to combat sexual violence.
Coffee Sleeve Awareness Campaign
Throughout the month, 12 local coffee shops and restaurants distributed YWCA Lancaster coffee sleeves with our 24-hour Sexual Assault Hotline phone number. This is a valuable resource that patrons can use in the future. The coffee shops included: Front Porch Baking Co., Geneva Bakery Café, Dosie Dough, Roasted Rooster Coffee Company, Gracie’s on West Main, Griddle & Grind Cafe, Chestnut Hill, Square One, LaDolce Vita, Bistro Barbaret and Bakery, Endo Cafe, and Rachel's Creperie.[smartslider3 slider="10"]
This April, we partnered with local hospitals for our Teal Ribbon Campaign. Our goal was to provide teal ribbons for staff to wear throughout the month in support of victim survivors. These ribbons are a great tool for spreading awareness and sparking important conversations. Thank you Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, UPMC Pinnacle, and WellSpan Health Ephrata Community Hospital for your support of our teal ribbon campaign. Together, we can make a difference.
Teal Ribbon Campaign
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Community Engagement and Support
Every action counts in our mission and this year our community showed up to support. This April, three local municipalities proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is crucial to our mission as we are spreading awareness on a county-wide scale. This helps us to engage with our community on a broader scope and show our solidarity with survivors. The support from our community has been incredible, and we're grateful for everyone who has joined us in this important cause.
SAAM Proclamations: City of Lancaster, Columbia Borough, Lititz Borough
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Education and Awareness
This month, we hosted a children’s book reading series and an adult book club gathering with out Center for Racial and Gender Equity’s Dorothy Height Social Justice Club. Educating our community is a priority for us. It is important to teach children the importance of self-love, boundaries, and consent from an early age. We must work to create a safer tomorrow for the next generations and end sexual violence.
Throughout the month, we hosted book readings at the Lancaster Public Library, Pocket Books Shop, and Aarons Books to provide an educational opportunity for the youth of our community. These books taught young ones about self love, personal safety, and the importance of boundaries.
Children's Book Readings
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Moving Forward Together
Our commitment to survivors doesn't end with SAAM. As we move forward, we're dedicated to providing ongoing support and resources for survivors and working to create a culture of consent and respect in our community. We invite everyone to join us in this mission.
How You Can Help
You can make a difference in the fight against sexual violence. Whether it's donating, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, your support fuels our mission. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive environment for all.As we close out Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let's keep the momentum going. Let's continue to stand together, support survivors, and work towards a future free from sexual violence. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this important journey. Together, we can make a difference.If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out to us at YWCA Lancaster. We're here for you, 24/7.