Ywca Observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

YWCA of Kalamazoo T: 269-345-5595 Michigan F: 269-345-8230 353 E. Michigan Ave. www.ywcakalamazoo.org Kalamazoo, MI 49007

YWCA OBSERVES SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH For Immediate Release March 24, 2015

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Join the YWCA of Kalamazoo by raising awareness about and honoring those affected by sexual violence at the following events throughout the month of April.

Teal Ribbon Campaign April 1 – 30, 2015 YWCA of Kalamazoo Across the country, the teal ribbon has come to represent awareness about sexual assault. In addition to the demonstration of support for victims and advocates, the display of teal ribbons throughout a community conveys a powerful message that there’s no place for assault in the homes, neighborhoods, workplaces or schools of its citizens. Throughout the month, teal ribbons are available free at the YWCA of Kalamazoo.

The Clothesline Project April 1 – 30, 2015 YWCA of Kalamazoo This visual display bears witness to the devastating impact of sexual assault. A collection of t-shirts decorated by survivors, friends, family, and the community will be on display at the YWCA.

Consent is Power April 1- 30, 2015 Harvey’s and Waldo’s To educate the community about consent, the YWCA of Kalamazoo is teaming up with Harvey’s On the Mall (416 S. Burdick Street), and Waldo’s Campus Tavern (1408 W. Michigan Avenue), as well as other bars around Kalamazoo to promote awareness about sexual assault and the importance of consent. Consent is a mutual, verbal, physical and emotional agreement that happens without manipulation, threats or head games. Participating bars will use a hand stamp that says, “Consent is Power”, during the month of April to raise awareness about the importance of mutually agreed upon and enthusiastic consent. Check our Facebook page weekly for a list of participating bars.

Take Back the Night Pre-Event Thursday, April 9, 2015 6:00 – 7:00 pm WMU’s Trimpe Building This special event will include a communal art piece where attendees will write their form of special strength on a puzzle piece. These pieces will be combined to form a larger shape. The presentation includes a non-violent, physical strength demonstration, as well as mental strength demonstration. Raffle prizes will be given.

Take Back the Night Thursday, April 9, 2015 7:00-9:00 pm WMU’s Trimpe Building Take Back the Night is an internationally held event designed to raise awareness about sexual assault. This event, sponsored by WMU, Voices against Sexual Assault and the YWCA will allow participants to learn about local sexual assault resources, hear survivors’ stories and march through the WMU campus Contact Information Heather Jach T: 269-345-5595 [email protected]

to raise awareness and speak out against sexual violence. Community members are both welcome and encouraged at this annual event.

Open Discussion on Sexual Assault Wednesday, April 22, 2015 5:00 – 9:00 pm WMU’s Trimpe Building The YWCA of Kalamazoo is hosting an open discussion on sexual assault. The focus is on empowerment and strength. Survivors, students and community members are welcome.

Denim Day Wednesday, April 29, 2015 Denim Day has been internationally celebrated since 1999 in protest of an Italian High Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. Enraged by the verdict, women of the Italian legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans to work. As news of the decision spread, so did the protest. Wear your jeans to show support! For more information, go to http://supportdenimday.com.

Supportive Volunteer Training Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2015 9:00am - 5:00pm YWCA of Kalamazoo Supportive training is a 16-hour event geared toward individuals who are interested in serving as supportive volunteers within the YWCA’s team of volunteers. For more information and to register, please contact the Sexual Assault Program at (269) 385-2869

Please support the YWCA’s mission of empowering women and eliminating racism by purchasing a sexual assault awareness teal bracelet at the YWCA of Kalamazoo and various events.

For additional information about any of these activities, please call (269) 345-5595, or visit the website, www.ywcakalamazoo.com and Facebook page.

About the YWCA The YWCA of the USA, of which the YWCA of Kalamazoo is a member Association, is the oldest, largest autonomous women’s membership organization in the world. YWCA Kalamazoo is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA of Kalamazoo, the oldest Association in Michigan, was founded in 1885 and began as a residence service provider to young women who gravitated to the city to work in its factories. Today, the YWCA provides the only shelter, crisis intervention services and an array of post crisis shelter supportive housing options specifically designed and operating for victims of domestic violence and their dependent children; the only services of our kind for adult sexual assault survivors, including medical forensic exams in a non- hospital setting, supportive volunteers and counseling; one of very few licensed and nationally accredited child care centers that both offers tuition assistance and accepts government subsidies; and services to the community-at-large, focusing on racial justice.