April is a busy time for the counselors and advocates of WIRC-Community Action Agency’s Victim Services program as the month is designated as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Throughout April, Victim Services is hosting activities and awareness events to change the culture of silence and show survivors that free services are available to them.
To raise awareness for sexual assault, teal ribbons are on display at multiple locations in Hancock, Henderson, Fulton, Knox, McDonough and Warren counties. New this year, Victim Services is partnering with Fulton County Arts for a show of artworks created by survivors of assault. The art show will be held at Old Dog in Canton, Illinois from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 11. Several community leaders and law enforcement agencies will also sign proclamations for their respective communities throughout the month.
For the second consecutive year, local coffee shops are partnering with Victim Services for a coffee cup sleeve campaign. Hot beverage orders will receive a specialty cardboard sleeve that provide messages about believing survivors so more people feel comfortable coming forward. Customers who receive these drinks are encouraged to share a selfie on social media or show their friends. Specialty sleeves will be available at The Old Dairy, Bold Brew House Co., Hometown Café, Haymakers and Z’s Breakfast & Lunch in Macomb; Maddy’s Coffee House in Astoria; The Muddy Cup Coffee Co. in Oquawka, and Two Brother’s Café in Galesburg.
'Current research shows that one out of 10 rape survivors are male and one in six rape survivors are female,' says Debbie Collins, Director of Victim Services. “Many survivors suffer from PTSD or cope with trauma through substance abuse. This can happen anywhere, even in rural Illinois. We see how common it is more than most people because of the services we provide.'
