Winnemucca Domestic Violence Services has several events planned in April to increase awareness about sexual assault, crime victims rights and child abuse.
Mayor Di An Putnam proclaimed April National Child Abuse Prevention Month and National Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the week of April 6 Crime Victim's Rights Week at Tuesday's City Council meeting.
She thanked Winnemucca Domestic Violence Services Director Tiffany Stickney for the work the organization does to bring awareness to those issues.
"I really do appreciate having your organization so actively involved in our community, because it does make a difference," Putnam said.
The first event planned for the month is "Pinwheels for Prevention" on April 5 from 11 a.m. to noon. A ceremony will take place at the courthouse to recognize the victims of child abuse.
The program was created in 2008 by Prevent Child Abuse America to create a national symbol for child abuse and neglect. At the ceremony April 5, each pinwheel "planted" will represent a report of child abuse in Humboldt County.
April 6-12, WDVS will offer presentations to community organizations on crime victims rights. The goal is to let people know what their rights are and what services are available, Stickney said.
The week will end in a celebration on April 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Humboldt Museum. The event will have games, prizes, food, booths and a bounce house.
"It's a community celebration," Stickney said.
The month of awareness continues April 7 with a defensive tactics class for women 12 and older.
The class runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and will be taught by Winnemucca Police Officer Mike Rangel. The class has 20 spots; any one interested is encouraged to call WDVS at (775) 625-1313 to register.
The final event planned for the month will bring awareness to sexual assault victims.
The event is two-fold: community members are encouraged to support sexual assault awareness by wearing denim and there will also be a "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" walk held that day.
Why denim?
According to SafePlace, the organization that started the initiative, it began with a teenage girl who was sexually assaulted. The suspect was convicted but the court later overturned the conviction, saying because the girl had on "very tight jeans" she must have helped remove them, thereby giving her consent.
WDVS is hosting a community walk called "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" in collaboration with the White Ribbon Organization, which is focused on engaging men and boys to help end violence against women. Men and boys are encouraged to don high heel shoes and "walk a mile with women in solidarity in an effort to take a stand against violence and raise awareness."
A time for the walk will be set once the date gets closer.
To volunteer for any of the events WDVS has planned for April can call (775) 623-1313 for information.
Contact Jessica Powell at j.powell@winnemuccapublishing.net.[[In-content Ad]]
