LACASA Center invites the community to show support for sexual assault victims and survivors by participating in two awareness initiatives in April, which is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Journey to Healing
On Saturday, April 30, the nonprofit organization hosts a free awareness event “Journey to Healing: An Afternoon of Self-Care” and on Wednesday, April 27, it encourages local residents, businesses and organizations to participate in Denim Day.
“It is important for our community to take action this month and let victims and survivors know that we believe them and support them,” said LACASA’s Sexual Assault Team Manager Sherry Boroto. “We also want to raise awareness about the free programs and services that are available at LACASA for victims, their families, and their friends.”
LACASA provides comprehensive, wrap-around services under one roof for victims and survivors of child abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault. The agency’s Sexual Assault Response Center offers confidential forensic exams in a private setting, which are conducted by specially-trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. In addition, victims and survivors have access to shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and critical support programs.
LACASA’s “Journey to Healing” event is set for April 30, from noon to 3 p.m., at Big Acre (formerly Ed Bock Feeds & Stuff) in Pinckney.
Event attendees can visit self-care booths, enjoy pampering sessions, view gardening demonstrations, and learn about sexual assault prevention. This free event is open to all and will offer a children’s play area for youngsters.
Denim Day
On April 27, Livingston County residents, businesses and organizations are encouraged to commemorate Denim Day. This international day of activism was sparked when an Italian supreme court overturned a rape conviction. The judges said that because a victim wore tight jeans, she must have helped the assailant remove them, thereby implying consent. This 1999 legal decision triggered worldwide outrage, and Denim Day emerged as a way to raise awareness about consent and victim blaming.
Individuals and organizations can obtain free Denim Day awareness stickers from LACASA Center prior to Denim Day. LACASA also provides ideas on its website about ways individuals, businesses and organizations can get involved locally.
For information about LACASA’s sexual assault awareness programs or events, visit lacasacenter.org, or contact Sherry Boroto at 517-548-1350.
