To raise awareness and stand in solidarity with survivors, a number of local groups are displaying teal ribbons this month.
In recognition of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the towns of Prairie City and Kellogg have allowed Crisis Intervention Services to decorate trees in their squares.
The Newton Police Department will tie teal ribbons to the antennas of its patrol cars, and the Kellogg Fire Department has placed them on their fire trucks.
“These ribbons are meant to remind us that sexual violence touches all of us, with one in five women and one in 33 men being victimized by an attempted or completed rape in their lifetimes,” Sexual Assault Prevention Educator Charisa Wotherspoon of Crisis Intervention Services said. “Young people are at the greatest risk: almost half of first time rape victims are under 18, and 80 percent are younger than 25.”
“However, sexual violence is preventable,” she added. “The first step in influencing societal attitudes that contribute to these forms of abuse is the willingness to openly discuss the issue. Just as awareness campaigns have reduced levels of smoking and drunk driving, public health efforts are underway to decrease the rates of sexual assault.”
CIS provides free and confidential counseling and advocacy services to sexual assault survivors of all ages and their loved ones, and can be reached 24 hours a day at 1-800-270-1620. It also provides speakers for community groups and conducts prevention education at schools and colleges.
To schedule a speaker, call Wotherspoon at (641) 673-0336.