For Immediate Release: April 1, 2019
Throughout the month of April, the City of Alexandria will recognize National Sexual Assault Awareness Month with a series of events and activities to support survivors and engage the community in prevention efforts.
Sexual assault is a crime that occurs when a person is forced, threatened or coerced into sexual contact or attention without consent, including when unable to consent due to age, illness, disability or the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Examples include fondling, forced sexual contact, indecent exposure, rape, partner rape, statutory rape, sodomy, voyeurism, obscene phone calls, child sexual abuse, incest, ritual abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual harassment.
Sexual assault happens in all communities and to people of any age and gender. Survivors may experience a range of emotional, psychological and physical reactions, and each person heals differently. Whether the sexual assault happened recently or years ago, it can impact daily functioning.
The City’s Sexual Assault Center (SAC) is sponsoring displays, exhibits, workshops and events around the community to raise awareness of sexual assault and support survivors. Highlights include:
A display of jeans decorated by survivors and supporters on exhibit at various locations throughout Alexandria, from April 1-26
Annual Poetry Share on Tuesday, April 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Metro Stage (1201 N. Royal St.)
“Yet I Stand,” a play presented in partnership with Friends of Guest House, the City of Alexandria Domestic Violence Program, and SAC, on Friday, April 26, 7 p.m., at the Lee Center Kauffman Auditorium (1108 Jefferson St.)
The SAC also invites the community to show their support for survivors of sexual assault by wearing teal on the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action on Tuesday, April 2, and by wearing jeans on Denim Day, Wednesday, April 24. For more information and a full list of events and activities, visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence.
The City’s Sexual Assault Center offers resources and services for survivors of sexual assault and those supporting survivors, including a 24/7 hotline, individual counseling, support groups, family support and information and referral services. Call the hotline to access these and additional services, or visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence. In case of an emergency, and for life-threatening situations, always call 911.
For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence or call the Alexandria Sexual Assault Hotline at 703.683.7273.
For media inquiries, contact Craig Fifer, Director of Communications and Public Information, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3965.
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