SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and RISE is inviting SLO County residents to show support for those who have experienced sexual assault or sexual abuse by taking a pledge to believe the survivors in their lives.
By making a donation of $25 or more, those who take the pledge will have multiple opportunities to win prizes like wine tastings, golf outings, dining experiences, and more! Beginning April 19th, through the end of the month, RISE will be going LIVE on Facebook every weekday at 2 pm, to demystify myths about Sexual Assault and to announce raffle winners. This is an easy and fun way to let survivors know that “SLO County Believes” and to support ongoing, donation-based services for local survivors.
“It is important to recognize how difficult it is for a survivor to disclose what they have experienced,” says Jane Pomeroy, Executive Director of RISE, “and if they receive a negative response from the first person they turn to, they are unlikely to tell anyone else, to seek services from organizations like RISE, or to report the incident to law enforcement.”
There are many ways to get involved this month, including:
? April 6th is Teal Day. We invite individuals, workplaces, and community groups to take a photo wearing teal and post it on Instagram or Facebook with a message of support for survivors. Tag us @RISEslo so we can share your message.
? RISE’s Prevention Education team, Close to Home, is hosting a FREE Lunch and Learn on April 22nd, from 12-1 pm. We will be exploring Sexual Assault Myths in the Media. This promises to be an engaging and informative session. Sign up
today!
? April 28, 2021, is Denim Day. Every year millions of people across the world wear jeans to take a stand against the myth that clothing can imply consent. Peace Over Violence explains, “The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent.”
? Follow RISE on Facebook and Instagram this month as we explore common myths related to sexual assault and how you can stand in solidarity with survivors this April and beyond.
ABOUT RISE — RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families, and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing, and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour crisis line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two safe houses, individual and group counseling, and prevention education.