Raising Awareness

Finding empowerment through prevention

April marks Sexual Assault Awareness Month nationwide. As a litany of statistics are thrown our way, there is one in particular to make note of: The majority of sexual assault victims know their attackers. It’s a scary fact that stands in stark contrast to the fears we often have when walking alone late at night.

With the goal of empowering women from all walks of life to feel confident and strong, the Dane County Rape Crisis Center advocates Chimera—a brand of self-defense for women and taught by women that arms you with more than just physical maneuvers to ward off attackers. It teaches psychological and verbal assertiveness skills that give women and girls confidence to defend themselves across a spectrum of situations—from uncomfortable verbal advances and beyond.

Grab a group of friends, your daughter and more to join the movement to empower women against assault on April 11 and 13 with free (yes free!) Chimera self-defense workshops for all ages, cultures, backgrounds and physical abilities.

National Health Care Decisions Day

The thought of having a conversation with loved ones about the type of medical care you would want if you were unable to decide might sound painful. But having an advance directive can actually be good medicine. On April 16, National Health Care Decisions Day, Dane County health care providers are available to answer questions and provide assistance in planning for your future. Visit DaneDecisionDay.org for more.

April 11: 6-8 p.m. Sauk Prairie Community Education Center, Sauk City. April 13: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Salvation Army, Madison. Space is limited. Call (608) 251-5126 ext. 10 or e-mail chimera@danecountyrcc.org to register. Find more classes at DaneCountyRCC.org.

During the month of April—National Sexual Assault Awareness Month—the Dane County Rape Crisis Center will offer free activities and events to support survivors and raise awareness

April 2: “Un-Run” to Benefit RCC

Choose the event you prefer NOT to run by registering to take the morning off to do what you enjoy most—sleep in, have brunch with friends, get a manicure—while supporting the Dane County Rape Crisis Center with tax-deductible donations. 
Register at Un-Run.org or (608) 251-5126.

April 7: Film Viewing, “Very Young Girls”

“Very Young Girls” features the director of Girls Education Mentoring Services in New York City as she works to help young victims of sex trafficking. View clips from the documentary with a discussion afterward. 6:30-8 p.m. UW Student Activity Center, Madison; Contact Rachel at Rachel@arccommserv.com or (608) 283-6435.

April 18: UW Keynote Speakers: Sarah Rice and Steve Connell

Sarah Rice appeared on MTV’s “The Real World” and openly identified as a survivor of sexual violence. Join Rice and spoken-word artist Steve Connell to hear them speak out and raise awareness about sexual assault. 7 p.m., Chamberlin Hall, UW Campus, Madison; uwpave.com.

April 27: Denim Day

Join Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen in wearing denim to work to draw attention to the issue of sexual violence. Why denim? Visit wcasa.org to read the story. Companies are also encouraged to support their workers choosing to wear denim on this day as a visible sign of their commitment to ending violence.

For a full listing of SAAM activities, visit DaneCountyRCC.org.