Almost every minute, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted, according to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network.
In an effort to spread awareness and help survivors, organizations in Merced and the Valley are uniting to educate the public about sexual assault.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month has been recognized internationally for 25 years. The campaign exists to raise awareness about sexual assault – and preventing it.
During April, resource centers are empowering and informing community members with various workshops and events. Organizations also provide advocacy services for those seeking support, including counseling, support groups and more.
Sexual assault survivors often face stigma when reporting their experience.
Since last month, the topic has received renewed attention, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, after The New York Times published a bombshell report that revealed Dolores Huerta and other women survived sexual abuse by Cesar Chavez, an icon of the farmworkers rights movement.
Merced College to host its first Denim Day
It’s the first year that Merced College’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Program is hosting a Denim Day.
Denim Day started in 1999 after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction since “the victim wore tight jeans,” the sexual violence prevention organization, Peace Over Violence wrote.
That decision sparked outrage globally that motivated people internationally to show solidarity with survivors, through actions like Denim Day. Hence, wearing jeans is a way to protest the myths of sexual violence that contribute to stigma, such as what someone was wearing when the assault occurred.
The Merced College office also is collecting new and gently-used denim throughout the month. Donations will be given to to survivors of sexual assault who come forward to Valley Crisis Center.
“Sometimes they don’t have anything with them, or sometimes they have to give their clothes up because of a medical exam,” said Carissa Hansford, RSVP Director.
The RSVP office is located at the Downey Learning Resource Center, Room 205 at the Merced Campus. Students seeking advocacy services can stop by the office, reach out to Hansford or contact the counseling center.
Take Back the Night March at UC Merced open to public
April is dedicated to raising awareness, education and prevention to sexual assault at UC Merced’s Campus Advocacy, Resources and Education Office.
This month’s events include The Clothesline Project, along with Take Back The Night March and Denim Day. Students and faculty can also participate in creative and educational workshops for healing.
Take Back the Night references advocates in the 1970s who fought for the right for women to walk home at night without fear of harassment or assault.
“How do we prevent these things from happening? How do we prevent these things from occurring on our campus or in our communities?” said Valara Villanueva, CARE director. “It’s not just through awareness, it’s through intentional education.”
Two advocates work with Villanueva to provide confidential victim advocacy services to students, faculty and staff. The CARE Office is open Monday through Friday for walk-ins or scheduled appointments. It is located at Kolligian Library Suite 107.
Valley Crisis Center offers advocacy services for public
Valley Crisis Center contracts advocacy services to Merced College and UC Merced – and the rest of the Merced community.
Valley Crisis Center staff also are hosting a button drive to raise money for the organization. The proceeds will be used to purchase rape exam bags or meals for survivors.
The button’s design features a pair of denim shorts surrounded by an insignia reading: “Jorts for Justice.”
People interested in purchasing a button can call Valley Crisis Center or stop by in person.
Reyna Lua is the campus coordinator at Valley Crisis Center. She oversees the collaboration between campuses and the organization. Her goal is to connect people who experienced sexual violence with the right resources.
“We want to empower those individuals. We want to make sure that we’re bringing the support and awareness out there for that and just letting them know that they’re not alone,” Lua said.
Valley Crisis Center is located at 812 W. 18th Street. Resources include confidential advocacy services, support groups and a safe house program. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with breaks for lunch between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. The hotline operates 24/7.
Who to contact
For all immediate emergencies, call 911.
Valley Crisis Center 24 Hour Hotline: 209-722-4357, info@alliance4you.org
UC Merced Campus, Advocacy, Resources and Education Office (CARE): 209-228-4717, ucmcare@ucmerced.edu
Merced College Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Program (RSVP): 209-384-6146, carissa.hansford@mccd.edu
Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-4673, or chat with an advocate at RAINN.org/hotline
