Batesville, In. — Every 98 seconds a sexual assault occurs in the United States. Sexual violence is an all-encompassing, non-legal term that refers to crimes like sexual assault, rape and sexual abuse. Safe Place Sexual Assault Center, a division of Safe Passage, Inc. is committed to offering hope, healing and empowerment for survivors of sexual violence in Southeastern Indiana while offering education and prevention services to the community. Dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault is often a long, emotional process for a survivor and their loved ones. We provide advocacy, support groups and resources to those who have been sexually assaulted anytime in their life. Our services are free of charge and our HelpLine is available 24/7 at 812.932.7233 (SAFE).
Consent is one piece of the puzzle in helping reduce sexual violence. Consent is two parties agreeing to engage in sexual activity. We at Safe Place, want to build awareness that consent is a healthy, normal and a necessary part of everyday interactions. Consent is clear and never assumed. It is a “YES” to the question, “is this OKAY?” and a “YES” that can be withdrawn at any time. Whether it’s holding your hand or intimate relations with your partner, consent should always be asked and received. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and YOUR voice has power! Use YOUR voice to spread awareness with your community, family and friends about the importance of consent!
Batesville, Milan, Osgood, and Tyson Library have partnered with Safe Place by setting up SAAM displays with suggested books surrounding sexual violence awareness, empowering stories and healing techniques. Please show your support to end sexual violence by participating individually or as an organization in Wear Teal Day on April 2 or Denim Day on April 24. WHY DENIM? The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. Believe survivors. Rape is never acceptable, no matter what someone is wearing. We thank you for your participation and don’t forget to tag us on social media with #safeplacedeniumday19 to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card!
Jefferson County Libraries and Hanover College Library have partnered with Safe Place by setting up SAAM displays with suggested books surrounding sexual violence awareness, empowering stories and healing techniques. Please show your support to end sexual violence by participating individually or as an organization in Wear Teal Day on April 2 or Denim Day on April 24. WHY DENIM? The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. Believe survivors. Rape is never acceptable, no matter what someone is wearing. We thank you for your participation and don’t forget to tag us on social media with #safeplacedeniumday19 to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card!
Safe Place will be kicking off a book club called Authors and Activist Society on Saturday, April 6th from 9-11 am. Come ask questions about the monthly book club, grab a copy of the reading list, flip through the books we will be reading, and vote for one you want to add to the list. Schedule of meetings for the year. Book club open to all! We are also collaborating with Bird in a Tree, the entire month they will donate 10% of every denim purchase to Safe Place! There will also be a separate event for Denim Day and more collaboration during the month of April. Look out for teal ribbons around town to bring attention to this awareness month.
Safe Place will be hosting The Clothesline Project at Ivy Tech, Madison on April 4th from 10 AM-2 PM and at Hanover College on April 9th from 11 AM- 5 PM at the Campus Center. The Clothesline project is a powerful display of t-shirts decorated by survivor and their loved ones. The shirts act as testimonials to the effects of sexual violence in our community.
1 out of every 6 women have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape and 1 out 10 men. Any form of sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor and community. If you or someone you care about has had this experience it is important to listen and be there. It is never your/their fault! Encourage them to get support and be patient because there is no timetable for trauma.
To contact us or for more information visit the website and follow us on Facebook @safeplaceforhope for encouragement and future events.
