Latest news with #SexualAssaultAwarenessandPreventionMonth
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
VA Augusta provides free services for Military Sexual Trauma survivors
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, and VA Augusta is offering free services for military sexual trauma survivors. Sexual trauma can impact survivors' physical and mental work as well as their everyday relationships with family and friends many years later. An estimated 20,000 service members experience sexual assault or trauma at some point in their career. A doctor at the VA Augusta Medical Center, Dr. Shannon Rogers the Clinical Psychologist and Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator, says there isn't one correct way to get a victim the care they need because everyone's experiences look different. 'What we find is that to come in and to talk about what happened, to process what happened, and I'm not saying that's easy, it can be really difficult but to know that you have a mental health provider there that is with you and supporting you through that, that can really make a difference in people's lives.' Rogers said. She says there are different services offered for service members depending on the kind of treatment they need. 'Whether it's coming in and getting support for coping skills, or severe depression that might result from having MST, up to doing trauma focused therapy, and maybe moving in between those levels.' said Rogers. The services are confidential and free, and you do not need documentation of the incident to receive care. Rogers said it is always a good time for someone to reach out, 'A lot of people think, 'well it happened so long ago, it won't help me, treatment won't help me' but it can, I've seen it help people. It's never too late to call just to get information and it's never too late to start living your life the way you really want to live it.' The services are free for MST survivors at any time during the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
07-04-2025
- CBS News
Temple student-athletes, police make meals for Philadelphia shelter, raise awareness about sexual violence
At Temple University in North Philadelphia, student-athletes and University Police are joining forces to make a meaningful difference in the fight against sexual assault. Temple's women's track and field team, cheer team and University Police came together Monday to participate in a special initiative aimed at raising awareness. In an effort to support the community, the group prepared more than 150 lunches for the Bethesda Project Shelter, a local nonprofit that provides emergency shelter to adults experiencing homelessness, many of whom have also been victims of sexual assault. As athletes and police came into Temple's McGonigle Hall, they quickly turned the space into an assembly line of compassion. From assembling sandwiches to packing snacks, the atmosphere buzzed with energy as they worked together. Alyssa Heron, a senior on Temple's cheer team, shared the importance of the event. "I think a meal can show someone love and that they are cared for and that their life matters," Heron said. "Growing up in Philadelphia, I've really been able to see all the people in need, especially around Temple University, so it's been really nice to be involved in the community." The shelter's work is especially significant during April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Some people served by the shelter are survivors of sexual violence. According to the Centers for Disease Control , sexual violence is common: More than half of women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. One in four women and about one in 26 men have experienced completed or attempted rape. Temple University Police Officer Leroy Wimberly, who helped organize the event, highlighted the importance of student involvement. "For our students to participate in this and actually go out and talk to people who have been traumatized by something, it's a great experience," Wimberly said. "I teach a women's self-defense course, and it falls in line with awareness, empowerment, and understanding. To do this and give back to the North Philadelphia community empowers them." For freshman Maliah Powell, a member of the track and field team, the event was a chance to make a difference. "You have to speak because no one else will," Powell said. "Things like this can make a difference because it's helping people know that they are not alone." The lunch preparation effort is a testament to the power of community. By giving back and raising awareness, Temple students and staff are helping survivors of sexual assault feel seen, heard and valued. Payel Gray, lead for Loving Stone Philadelphia, a local advocacy group, underscored the importance of these small gestures. "It makes a big impact. Something so small could really brighten someone's day. A lot of times it's hard for people to reach out for help and feel seen," Gray said. The event serves as a reminder of the importance of sexual assault awareness, community involvement, and the role everyone can play in fostering a more compassionate, supportive environment for survivors.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Under the baobab: Penn State Powwow continues to grow in 19th year
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, APIDA History Month and when college campuses celebrate Pride Month, since most students are gone during June. Last weekend, Centre County and Penn State celebrated the 19th Annual Traditional American Indian Powwow, the largest and most impactful indigenous cultural gathering held in the eastern part of the United States. Founded by Professor Emeritus John Sanchez, the event began in March 2001 in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the American Indian Leadership Program. After three years of planning, the event grew into New Faces of An Ancient People Traditional American Indian Powwow, which gathered at Mount Nittany Middle School, co-sponsored by Penn State's College of Communications and the State College Area School District. This year, held at C3 Sports, the powwow grew to include over 7,000 visitors, 250 registered dancers and over 150 volunteers. Marie Hardin, dean of Penn State's college of communications, was celebrated with an honor song for her special contributions to powwow. 'Everyone, native or non-native, is welcome. It is one of the few cultural events that non-natives can be a part of simply by attending,' said Sanchez. The celebration concluded with a four-hour mini-powwow, one drum, two dozen dancers and a handful of vendors. Others involved included: assistant coordinator Victoria Sanchez; host drum, Iron Lightning; co-host drums: Red Blanket Singers, Maza Napin, Thunder Nation and Medicine Horse Singers; head veteran dancer, Shenandoah Ellis-Ulmer, MSgt (retired); head man dancer, Lawrence Reddest, Stcungu 'Lakota' Tribe of Rosebud, South Dakota; head woman dancer, Charlotte A. Star Reddest, Allegheny Lenape Nation; head cook, Mike Zerby, Mission Bend Potawatomi; arena director Roger Campbell, Sisseton/Wahpeton Dakota Sioux; volunteer coordinator, Bruce Teeple; and cafeteria supervisor, Joche Gayles. The emcee, Guy Jones, Hunkpapa Lakota, is a full blood member of the Standing Rock Tribe. He is a direct descendant of Pizi (Chief Gall) who led the frontal charge against the 7th Calvary at Greasy Grass (Little Big Horn). Hosted by the Racial Equity Advisory Commission, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration group presented 'King: Elegy in Verse and Music 2025' at the State College Municipal Building, emceed by Gary Abdullah. It featured readings, prose, poetry and music by Kesla Elmore, Pheolyn Allen, Takina Walker, Joshua Gentry, Carmin Wong, Terri Parker and Stephen Mariner. The event was in remembrance of Dr. King, who was assassinated 57 years ago. The Center for Performing Arts at Penn State presented the touring production of 'The Addams Family,' featuring Penn State musical theater grad Melody Munitz playing Wednesday Addams. The College of Liberal Arts and the Department of Philosophy held a two-day conference on 'The Dialectics of Freedom: The Critical Theory of Angela Davis.' After being welcomed and introduced by Dean Clarence Lang of the College of the Liberal Arts, and Amy Allen, Davis delivered a rousing discourse to about 500 people: 'We Can Always Hope for Something More: Freedom as the Journey that Never Ends.' Prof. Davis spoke on the need for collective action over individual performance, particularly in these troubled times. And around the community, the 'resistance' grows — the Climate Action Campaign held a protest rally on the HUB-Robeson lawn on March 25. Peter Buck, Hilary Caldwell and Kaelyn Antolick were among the speakers. Students for Justice in Palestine hosted Huwaida Arraf, co-founder of International Solidarity Movement, who spoke on Palestinian people's resilience. Last week, over 100 people celebrated International Transgender Day of Visibility at the Allen Street gates. Margie Swoboda, head of the Centre County Democratic Committee, hosted a town hall meeting on March 29 that included: former Congressman Conor Lamb; state Reps. Paul Takac and Scott Conklin; County Commissioners Amber Concepcion and Mark Higgins; former Congressional candidate Zack Womer, and Ray Bilger. The event was emceed by Ferguson Township Supervisor Omari Paterson. About 350 people filled The State Theatre. Manifesting that all politics are local, over a dozen citizens asked questions and voiced concerns. As We, the people, speak, let us listen to each other. Charles Dumas is a lifetime political activist, a professor emeritus from Penn State, and was the Democratic Party's nominee for U.S. Congress in 2012. He lives with his partner and wife of 50 years in State College.
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Yahoo
‘Together We Act, United We Change': More than 350 unite for annual Betty Griffin Center 5k
More than 350 walkers and runners came together to raise funds for the annual 'Run for Peace 5K' held by the Betty Griffin Center. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The run, in its 11th year taking place at the St. Johns County Pier, will see all funds and proceeds raised go to the agency, which provides shelter, counseling, and support to domestic and sexual abuse survivors. The event coincides with Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month in April, dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it. The theme for 2025 is 'Together We Act, United We Change,' emphasizing the importance of collective action in addressing and preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump attacks immigrants in racist Sexual Assault Awareness Month proclamation
Donald Trump, self-proclaimed 'protector' of women, issued a proclamation Thursday acknowledging Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month, in which he leveled a bigoted attack against undocumented migrants. The announcement began: This month, we recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month by ending the unfathomable human abuse committed under open borders policies. One of the leading causes of sexual violence over the last 4 years has been the invasion of illegal aliens at our southern border. In a treasonous act of betrayal against the American people, the previous administration unleashed an army of gangs and criminal aliens from the darkest and most dangerous corners of the world — causing a dramatic increase of sexual violence in our neighborhoods and communities. These reckless policies empowered some of the most depraved people on the planet to exploit women and children in the most vicious ways imaginable. The rest of the screed offered more of the same. Literally the only true statement in that quoted section is that April is in fact Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. There has not been an 'invasion' of immigrants through our southern border. And despite Trump's efforts to convince the public otherwise, studies have repeatedly shown immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than people born in the U.S. It's perhaps not surprising that the president is less interested in bringing awareness to sexual assaults perpetrated by American citizens. Trump himself (as you likely know) was found liable for sexually abusing writer E. Jean Carroll in a civil trial in 2023. He famously boasted about groping women without their consent. Trump was once an associate of Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex offender (but he has never been implicated in any allegations). To serve as labor secretary in his first administration, Trump named Alex Acosta, the former U.S. attorney who oversaw a controversial plea deal for Epstein in a child sex abuse case. Trump also publicly sent well-wishes to Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's co-defendant in his child sex trafficking case, as she fought the charges in 2020. Three of the men Trump selected for Cabinet positions this year previously faced accusations of sexual assault (two denied any wrongdoing; the third apologized to the woman via text message). Multiple Jan. 6 insurrectionists he pardoned had prior convictions for sexual assault. And some of the insurrectionists he pardoned have since been charged with sexual assault or soliciting a minor in connection with incidents alleged to have occurred before the insurrection. And, according to reporting from the Financial Times and The Times, Trump's administration had a hand in helping accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate return to the U.S. after the administration allegedly pressured Romanian officials to loosen travel restrictions for Tate and his brother. So Trump's proclamation Thursday — ostensibly 'to support survivors of sexual assault' — tracks with his and his administration's overtly racist policies. At the same time, it refuses any 'awareness' of his own history of sexual abuse or the sexual misconduct alleged against those in his inner circle. No one needs Trump to proclaim anything in support of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month — unless it's an apology. This article was originally published on
