Local Rape Crisis Center Kicks Off Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) with Open House
The nonprofit will open its doors in San Bernardino, Coachella Valley, and Morongo Basin
San Bernardino, Calif. — Partners Against Violence is hosting an open house at each of their three main offices in Coachella Valley, Morongo Basin, and San Bernardino throughout April in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The nonprofit, which supports Survivors of sexual assault and violent crime in the Inland Empire, aims to engage and bring together the broader community as part of its annual SAAM campaign by opening their doors on April 7, 14, and 21 from 3-6 p.m.
“We are truly excited to open our doors and welcome our community. We will be sharing with them the services and spaces of support that we offer Survivors of sexual violence and violent crime, as well as their families and our entire community,” said Executive Director Michelle Cates.
According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. And every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 25 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.
“April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is the perfect time for our community to come together and raise awareness on this important topic. Sexual Violence remains the most underreported crime throughout the United States." said Cates.
"At Partners Against Violence, we listen, we believe, and we support Survivors, always.”
As a rape crisis center, Partners Against Violence, formerly known as San Bernardino Sexual Assaut Services, (SBSAS), offers a crisis intervention hotline, support groups, counseling, legal and medical aids (to accompany Survivors to medical exams or law enforcement interactions), as well as referrals to other local or virtual resources. In terms of community outreach, the nonprofit provides various forms of prevention education, advocacy, and prevention training.
The Open Houses invite members of the community to meet the team of dedicated staff and volunteers, tour their Survivor-centered spaces, and see the many resources the organization offers to Survivors of sexual assault.
Attendees can also view the impactful “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit, which features descriptions and examples of the clothes Survivors were wearing during their sexual assault. The exhibit challenges participants to engage with the universal connection we have with clothing and reflect on what gives this specific rape culture myth so much power. It is inspired by the “What Were You Wearing?” Survivor Art Installation originated at the University of Arkansas in 2013.
There will be three Open Houses, one at each location:
Coachella Valley | Thursday, April 7, from 3-6 p.m. 78370 Hwy 111, Suite 130, La Quinta, CA 92253
Morongo Basin | Thursday, April 14, from 3-6 p.m. 58945 Business Center Drive, Suite C, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
San Bernardino | Thursday, April 21, from 3-6 p.m. 444 N. Arrowhead Avenue, Suite 101, San Bernardino, CA 92401
ABOUT PARTNERS AGAINST VIOLENCE
Partners Against Violence provides support for Survivors of sexual assault and violent crime in the Inland Empire. All our services are confidential and available at no cost to Survivors, their significant others, and family members. We are partners committed to building healthy relationships, families, communities, and generations that are free from violence.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Partners Against Violence
Michelle Cates, Executive Director
(909) 885-8884
michelle.c@partnersav.org
RELEASE DATE:
March 22, 2022
Comments