Past SAAM Events

SAAM 2011 Wrap-Up

Rape crisis centers across the state worked diligently to provide unprecedented attention to National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April 2011.  This year’s theme “It’s time…to get involved” clearly resounded with center staff and supporters as they joined walks, speak-outs, press conferences, film screenings, art exhibits, and outreach events all in the interest of informing the public about sexual violence, where victims can go to seek help and why it is important that communities pay attention to this critical issue.  Many centers participated in hosting Lauren Book and Lauren’s Kids as she made her 1,000 mile Walk in My Shoes journey across Florida and travelled to Tallahassee to participate in the Rally in Tally on April 26^th.  All centers took on the hefty job of expanding their outreach and public activities during SAAM while at the same time doing their full time jobs of direct service.  In many cases this included providing logistical support, holding rallies and receptions, recruiting walkers for Walk in My Shoes and supporting survivors along the way by providing advocacy on the Lauren’s Kids bus.   FCASV tips its hat to all those who worked to make SAAM a priority.  Highlights of SAAM 2011 included:

• Christina’s Courage hosted Lauren’s Kids for the kick-off of Walk in My Shoes 2011 in Key West that included a press conference, proclamation, and accompanying walkers for the first leg of the walk.
• MUJER hosted a walk celebration including a troupe of Latin dancers, proclamations read by the mayors of both Homestead and Florida City, and a reading and book signing by Lauren Book.
• Broward County Sexual Assault Treatment Center provided tremendous support for the Walk in My Shoes event, hosting a mini-press conference, providing walker support and participants from the local community, and recruiting many local dignitaries to show support for SAAM. 
• Palm Beach County Victim Services worked to secure proclamations, recruit walkers, and coordinate a welcome rally at Martin County Courthouse.
• Sexual Assault Assistance Program of the Treasure Coast provided tremendous logistical support for Walk in My Shoes, recruited walkers including local dignitaries to participate in SAAM events.
• The Women’s Center of Brevard hosted Lauren Book for a book reading and signing and recruited walkers for Walk in My Shoes.
• Victim Service Center of Orange County once again launched their Under Aware Campaign to collect clothing and other supportive items for victims of sexual assault and provided logistical support for Walk in My Shoes, including a visit and speech by Senator Bill Nelson.
• Sexual Assault Victim Services worked on SAAM events including the Walk in My Shoes event and provided a warm welcome to walkers and logistical support for Lauren’s Kids.
• Alpha House provided a celebration BBQ and rally, a book reading and signing, and hosted Lauren Book at their center.  They worked closely with Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to help provide logistical support to Lauren’s Kids.
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provided incredible media and logistical support for Walk in My Shoes and hosted their own very successful Take Back the Night march and rally.
• University of Florida advocates hosted Lauren’s Kids and held a powerful Take Back the Night march and rally.
• Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center participated in a campus night at the University of Florida, took part in the Take Back the Night march and rally and provided support for Lauren’s Kids and the Walk in My Shoes event.
• Betty Griffin House provided tremendous support for SAAM, including many media publications, events on Flagler College campus, a book reading and signing by Lauren Book, a proclamation, and many other efforts.
• Women’s Center of Jacksonville had a very busy SAAM, hosting an art exhibits, Walk in My Shoes events, and outreach efforts.
• Lakeview Center hosted their annual road race, “Run for Their Lives,” participated in, provided logistical support for and coordinated a kick-off ceremony for Walk in My Shoes.
• Bridgeway Center hosted Lauren’s Kids and provided great participation and support for Lauren’s Kids and a book reading and signing by Lauren Book.
• The Salvation Army Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Program hosted Lauren’s Kids on their leg of the walk, coordinated a book reading and signing by Lauren Book, and worked on a city proclamation and reception for SAAM.
• Refuge House provided one of the largest groups of walkers during the walk in Perry and assisted with coordination for the Rally in Tally.  They also hosted a successful flag staking ceremony during which they planted over 1,000 flags representing the number of victims in Taylor county in front of Doctor's Memorial Hospital in Perry.
  
• Manatee Glens Rape Crisis Services worked to provide awareness, emphasizing the Day of Awareness events during SAAM.

Resources for SAAM 2011

National Sexual Violence Resource Center SAAM Website:

http://www.nsvrc.org/saam

SAAM in Spanish Website:

http://www.nsvrc.org/es/saam

Lauren’s Kids

www.laurenskids.org

National Calendar of SAAM Events:

http://www.nsvrc.org/calendar

Florida National Sexual Assault Awareness Month on Facebook:

www.facebook.com

Take Back the Night

http://www.takebackthenight.org/

White Ribbon Campaign

http://www.whiteribbon.ca/

 SAAM 2010 Wrap-Up

Lauren's Walk April 2-20 Aventura to Tallahassee.  Coverage of the event in Tallahassee featured FCASV Executive Director Jennifer Dritt. 

Lauren's Kids composed a summary of the final day of events.

The month of April has been designated as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  The goal of SAAM is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on how to prevent it.  The 2010 theme was "Prevent Sexual Violence on our Campuses." The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) published a toolkit to help organizations and individuals to develop their own SAAM campaigns.   

FCASV created a Facebook Group titled Florida National Sexual Assault Awareness Month that allowed all members to view and discuss events that happened around the state.

CARE collaborated with Edison College with a tabling event in the cafeteria. Every two minutes CARE Staff rang a bell, signifying that a rape occurs once every two minutes. In addition, CARE staff delivered to each emergency room a box of cookies with teal ribbon icing (made by Publix bakery) along with scrolls of appreciation and information on topics ranging from procedures for non-reporting victims and self-care.

Sexual Assault Victim Services participated with The Women's Center and held our SAAM Event at our local Community College (Brevard Community College - BCC).  They had speakers from the community (SAVS, Women's Center, Local Law Enforcement, and Lauren Book).  There were about 50 people in attendance.  In addition to Lauren speaking at their event, they were also able to participate with Lauren on her walk.  Due to the event on the first day of her walk in Brevard, they were only able to walk with her about 4 miles.  On her second day, 2 staff members were able to walk the entire day with her.

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and the Sexual Violence Task Force of Tampa Bay participated in TONS of activities during April. Lauren’s Walk was one of them on April 13, along with a presence at USF’s Take Back the Night, as well a wonderful community Take Back the Night on April 17, bringing out around 500 people, including 100 men! They got the downtown Tampa SunTrust building to light up TEAL for one week and have tons of great pictures and videos on YouTube from all this.

2010 SAAM Events

  Broward County Sexual Assault Treatment Center, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Contact:  Nancy Cotterman or Ana Ferrer at 954-765-4159
Website: www.broward.org/sexualassault 
Denim Day, including proclomation and celebration in the Board of County Commissioners Chamber, 2:00 p.m., Tuesday 4/27/10. Survivor art and awareness exhibit throughout the month of April in the Broward County Governmental Center lobby, located at 115 S. Andrews Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. 

Sunrise of Pasco County, Inc., Dade City, FL
Contact: Christina Bates at 352-521-3358
Website:  www.sunrisepasco.org
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Men's March, 9:00 a.m., Saturday 3/13/10 during Founder's Day parade in downtown Zephyrhills, FL. Help raise awareness about gender violence in a fun and unique way.  Walk a Mile in Her Shoes is an opportunity for men to educate the community about a very serious subject and to rally the community to take action to prevent rape, sexual assault, and gender violence in future generations.

Speaking Out Against Rape, Inc. (SOAR), Orlando, FL
Contact: Kelli Greene at 407-898-0693
Website: www.operationfreefall.com
SOAR is hosting Operation Freefall: The Two-Mile High Stand Against Sexual Violence, sunrise to sunset, Saturday, 4/24/10 at Skydive City in Zephyrhills, FL.

Lakeview Center, Inc., Pensacola, FL
Contact: Erika Smith at 850-469-3942
Website: www.elakeviewcenter.org
Run for Their Lives 5k run/walk, 8:00 a.m.,Saturday, 4/10/10 at Pensacola Beach.  Run for Their Lives is held in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Crime Victims Rights Week. The race is followed by a post-race party with live music, an awards ceremony, and a free raffle with great door prizes.

The Salvation Army Domestic Violence & Rape Crisis Program, Panama City, FL
Contact: Shawn Taylor at 850-769-7989
Website: www.marinaciviccenter.com
The Salvation Army Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Program in Panama City will be hosting a benefit concert for SAAM featuring Christian music artist Martha Munizzi, 7:00 p.m. Friday 4/30/10.  The concert will be held at the Marina Civic Center in Panama City. Tickets are $20 each or $15 for groups of 20 or more. Tickets on sale starting 3/5/10 and can be purchased online or at the ticket office located in the Civic Center.

Quigley House, Inc., Orange Park, FL
Contact: Meredith Murphy at 984-284-0340
Website: www.quigleyhouse.org
Strike Out Violence Softball Game between the Police and Firefighters at Armstrong Park in Doctor's Inlet 4/23/10, 10:00 a.m.  Victim's Rights Ceremony at the Clay County Courthouse in Green Cove Springs.  They will have several survivors of violence share their stories during this ceremony and refreshments will be provided, 5:00 p.m. 4/23/10.  Clothesline Project throughout the month of April at the Clay County Courthouse as well as displayed at several highschools. 

Women's Center of Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL
Contact: Tina Vaughn at 904-722-3000 ext. 209
Website: WomensCenterOfJax.org
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Kick-Off as the Women's Center of Jacksonville partners with the University of North Florida's Women's Center.  There will be a Proclamation reading and campus tabling where both Women's Centers will have awareness materials available for the student population on April 1st.  SAAM kickoff event at the Jacksonville Police Memorial Building. Attendees include members of the Sheriff's Office, local media, prosecutors, victim service agencies and political leaders.  This year, talking points will address the national theme of preventing violence on college campuses. In the evening, the Women's Center will host "New Beginnings", an art program consisting of art created by survivors. The event will include a survivor speak-out, in honor of survivors and their loved ones in the community, and light refreshments will be served on April 15th.  Women's Center of Jacksonville will also be hosting a FREE film screening at Five Points Theater, a local establishment, and a discussion panel, including local survivors and activists, will follow the film presentation on April 29th.

Orange County Victim Services, Orlando, FL
Contact: Danielle Kapusin at 407-644-2577
Website:  www.victimservicecenter.com
Denim Day April 20. Wear denim jeans and a teal ribbon to show your support of a community free of sexual violence.  Businesses may consider collecting donations from staff who wear denim to benefit the VSC .  UnderAWARE Underware Drive. The VSC provides replacement underwear and clothing for every individual who has theirs taken as evidence when receiving services at the Sexual Assault Treatment Center.  Donate unopened packages of underwear to Orange County Victim Services at 1801 Lee Road, Suite 165 Winter Park, FL 32789 Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00.  Everyone who visits the VSC to donate underwear during the month of April will receive a coupon for a free starter or glass of wine at Urban Flats!

Palm Beach County Victim Services, West Palm Beach, FL
Contact: Sandy Reynolds at 561-355-2418
Action Day on FAU Boca Raton Campus 11-1 advocates will be available in the breezeway between the library and cafeteria.  Panel discussion with community professionals 5:30-6:30 Bldg. SO12.

Ocala-Marion County Sexual Assault Center, Ocala, FL
Contact:  Stephanie Kary at 850-622-8495
3rd Annual Day of Sharing Friday, April 23rd.  This donation drive is for needed items for the sexual violence shelter in Ocala. 

Information on Past SAAM Events

 2009 Sexual Assault Awareness Month Successes

Florida did it again with a Capitol press conference and events sponsored by rape crisis centers across the state! SAAM 2009 was another powerful celebration of sexual assault survivors, awareness and outreach events and creative community-based activities including the first ever Presidential SAAM Proclamation. This article highlights some of the events; please use the information to network, collaborate, and generate ideas for next year's events.

Capitol Press Conference
FCASV sponsored a Sexual Assault Awareness Month press conference at the Florida State Capitol to address the impact of sexual violence on the citizens of Florida and to highlight legislative initiatives. Speakers included Attorney General Bill McCollum, Senator Mike Fasano (R-Port Richey), Representatives Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) and Yolly Roberson (D-Miami), FCASV Executive Director Jennifer Dritt, Refuge House Executive Director Meg Baldwin and sexual assault survivors Yolanda Fairell and Ron Book. Attendees also took a moment to thank the Florida Senate and House for passing resolutions recognizing April 2009 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Florida.


From left to right: Rep. Yolly Roberson (D-Miami), Attorney General Bill McCollum, Refuge House Director Meg Baldwin, Yolanda Fairell (speaking) and FCASV Public Affairs Director Terri Poore

Presidential Proclamation Marks April Sexual Assault Awareness Month



Thanks to the efforts of the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Center for Victims of Crime, President Obama became the first president to issue a proclamation for SAAM.

Highlights from Community Events

Bridgeway Center, Fort Walton Beach
Bridgeway collaborated with the Okaloosa Walton Sexual Assault Interagency Council to hold a "Respect Works" awareness event. The event was held at the same time as other community family-oriented events, so the turnout was high. The Hurlburt Air Force Base SARC publicized the event on the radio, and Bridgeway spoke at a Mental Health Association meeting. They gave attendees goody bags that contained sexual assault information and also fun giveaways like frisbees, chapstick with the "Respect Works" logo, whistles, beads and coloring books. The publicity helped. Attendance was high from Hurlburt and Eglin Air Force bases and the mental health association, as well as the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office and Bridgeway volunteer program.

The event was a good opportunity to educate the community on SAAM and sexual violence information and services. At the event the organizers passed out approximately 75 more goody bags containing sexual assault information, prevention and safety tips, and service information about the Rape Crisis Hotline and the rape crisis center. The Hurlburt SART gave a presentation on drugs used to facilitate rape and provided anti-drug resources and coloring books for children. Many families visited the display and took the materials.

Bridgeway SAAM Event Team

Project Help, Naples
Project Help coordinated and participated in numerous SAAM events:
*Mailed local businesses NSVRC materials "Prevent Sexual Violence in Our Workplaces" and offered businesses free sexual harassment training.
*Put up a SAAM display in the local library
*Collaborated with the local university to sponsor a Clothesline Project, Poetry Slam, Sexual Harassment 101 training and the first Take Back the Night Speak Out and Rally
*Participated in Denim Day
*Organized a local SAAM proclamation
*Had a SAAM editorial published in the local paper

Collaborating with the university went very well. The Take Back the Night event was small but powerful and the Clothesline Project gave a chance for teen survivors to express themselves and to see how many people are there to support them.

Next year Project Help staff plan on increasing involvement of local businesses, publicity of SAAM events and participation of the community. They suggest that centers participating in Denim Day have "Ask me why I'm wearing jeans" pins to spark conversation and increase awareness.
They offer the following advice for next year's SAAM: Get organized. Get everyone on staff involved. Reach out to the community as much as you can. And remember, you can never start too early!

Refuge House, Tallahassee
Refuge House hosted a family friendly "Stop the Violence" festival at a local park, participated in Denim Day, had a display table at a Florida State University concert and collaborated with the university to stage a Take Back the Night Speakout. The "Stop the Violence" festival featured a keynote speaker, musical entertainment, a Zumba session, and even Star Wars costume characters. The SAAM events were a great success, providing the community with fun, honoring survivors of sexual violence and raising awareness about the issue.

South Brevard Women's Center, Melbourne
The South Brevard Women's Center hosted an art show featuring art submitted by teens that reflected their thoughts and feelings about the issue of sexual violence. They served refreshments while the guests viewed the teens' art work and provided a pad of paper in front of each art piece on which the attendees could write their thoughts to the artist about their work. A PSA video from the 2004 SAAM event played for guests to watch.

Sue Kiley, director of counseling services, spoke about the purpose and history of the SAAM event. Guests then viewed a 15-minute video called "Silence Speaks." The video included stories of real people who have suffered from the trauma of sexual violence. After viewing the video, Debbie Knust, SAVS program supervisors, Christy Cannella, Women's Center violence prevention educator; and Krista Puente Trefz, Psy.D, women's center counselor, all gave brief presentations about the role they play in helping and preventing sexual violence.

The Women's Center was pleased with both the high turnout and the number and quality of art pieces submitted. Most of the artists attended and were able to speak about their artwork to the guests. Despite the hard economic times, many local businesses donated to the art show.

The Women's Center's recommendations are to start planning early in order to allot more time to educating hesitant teachers and school board members about the importance of dealing with sexual violence. They expect that more direct contact with teachers, and possibly the art students themselves, via mini-presentations about SAAM would raise the attendance even higher among this group.

Future ideas for a SAAM event include a 5k run/walk at a local facility called the Running Zone. Getting the business to sponsor the run may turn out many avid runners simply because they love to run, but it would also present an opportunity to engage and educate members of the community who otherwise may not be reached. It might also promote more media.

Women's Center of Jacksonville, Jacksonville

On April 2, the Women's Center coordinated a SAAM kickoff event. Held on the steps of the Jacksonville Police Memorial Building, attendees included members of the Sheriff's Office, local media, prosecutors, victim service agencies and political leaders. The event highlighted the 2009 SAAM theme "Respect Works! Prevent Violence in our Workplaces." The message underscored the role of respectful behavior in creating safe and healthy communities and workplaces. In the evening, the Women's Center hosted the "Surviving to Thriving" art program that consisted of art created by survivors. The event was held in honor of survivors and their loved ones in the community and included food and refreshments.

SAAM 2009 Planning Materials

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) website launched the 2009 SAAM campaign building on last year's theme: "Prevent Sexual Violence ... in our workplaces," and added the slogan Respect Works!

NSVRC provided numerous materials for 2009 including the campaign packet, a resource list, outreach guide, fact sheet, and employer checklist.

The NSVRC featured event Making a Difference: Your Role in Sexual Violence Prevention provides workshop materials, a PowerPoint presentation, and a facilitator's guide that is available to download in a PDF format. The workshop is based on Joan Tabachnick's new publication, Engaging Bystanders in Sexual Violence Prevention, which can be downloaded from the website.

Highlights of 2008 SAAM Successes

Despite reduced funding and budget cuts, sexual assault programs put sexual assault prevention and awareness center stage for the month of April. Programs throughout the state made powerful statements, staged creative events, and made a difference in their communities. Here are highlights of events submitted to FCASV. The list is not exhaustive and only represents the activities that came to our attention, but please use the information to network, collaborate, and generate ideas for next year's events!

Florida Council Against Sexual Violence
FCASV sponsored a SAAM event at the Capitol. Representatives Snyder and Jenne welcomed participants and provided a brief overview of the major issues affecting rape survivors and rape crisis centers during this legislative session. Participants then visited the office of all 160 legislators to distribute informational packets and educate them on the needs of victims of sexual violence.

Betty Griffin House
Betty Griffin House posted a fantastic "Take Back the Night" video on You Tube. Take a look!
They also coordinated a month long event with the Hastings Library in St. John's County. The Hastings librarian made a display in the front of the library highlighting Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the resources (books, videos, DVDs) available at the library.

Project Help
Project Help sponsored Denim Day asking members of their community to donate $5 to Project HELP and wear denim to work to honor and empower survivors of Sexual Assault. They also sponsored an event at Hurricane Grill & Wings with 10% of the proceeds benefiting Project HELP. Finally, Project Help provided local businesses with free training workshops on sexual harassment prevention in the workplace.

Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center
Representatives from the center visited Alachua County high schools to teach students the rules of "respecting your date." The Respect Your Date Contest is designed to raise awareness and prevention of dating violence, and participants in the program entered a drawing for prizes that included a free tuxedo rental and manicures - a big draw for students planning to attend the high school prom.

Sunrise of Pasco County
The East Pasco Domestic and Sexual Violence Task Force met and had eight speakers, including a Sunrise counselor reading a victim's statement, a representative from Pasco County Schools describing school-based programs addressing sexual assault, and reports from law enforcement and child protective investigations. A legislative update was given and information provided on the new law addressing non-reporting victims. Megan Hussey, a reporter from the Tampa Tribune, attended the Task Force meeting and wrote an in-depth article that appeared in the Tribune on April 18th. Sunrise also participated in Denim Day during which businesses, agencies and schools posted sexual violence information and participants wore "Why Denim" stickers to raise awareness.

Center for Abuse and Rape Emergencies
CARE victim advocates spent Sexual Assault Awareness Day distributing materials to businesses in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Murdock. Carolyn Quinn, reporter for the Charlotte Sun-Herald, printed a story on the program's SAAM activities.

The Women's Center of Jacksonville
The Florida Times-Union newspaper published an informative article for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The article provided government statistics on sexual assault and highlighted the rape crisis support services offered by the Women's Center.

Lakeview Center
About 160 people participated in a 5K run/walk, Run for Their Lives, sponsored by the Lakeview Center to raise awareness of rape and other violent crimes. Proceeds from the event benefited the Lakeview Trauma Recovery Program. The run was organized to bring the community together around issues of sexual assault and to support those who have been victims of violent crime. An article on the run was printed in the April 6th edition of the Pensacola News Journal.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
The Crisis Center presented the 6th Annual "Take Back the Night Candle Light Vigil and Speak Out." The event was held at the Temple Terrace United Methodist Church and featured keynote speakers Veraunda Jackson, Esq. and Captain Bob Staehle.

Family Life Center
The center sponsored numerous events throughout the month. Some highlights include:
• The Flagler County Sexual Assault Task Force hosted an informational booth during the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life event.
• Proclamation Ceremony and Rape Prevention Training, "Justice for Victims, Justice for All. The event included free continental breakfast, goodie bags, live performances, and children's activities during the training to encourage community participation.
• The Flagler County Sexual Assault Task Force presented multiple classes using the Rape: Get the Facts curriculum. Representatives from the Flagler County Sheriff's Department went to the schools during lunch to assist students in making t-shirts for the clothesline display and to distribute information and materials. The outreach was expected to reach over 2,500 teens.
• Awareness is Power Rally was held at the Flagler Beach Park. T-shirts decorated with messages from sexual assault survivors were displayed throughout the park. The rally offered live music, free food, bounce house for children, cake walks, Sheriff's canine demonstrations and sexual violence information and materials. The event was open to the entire community.
• The Palm Coast and Flagler Beach Libraries participated in SAAM by displaying a t-shirt clothesline during the month of April.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
The University's Counseling Center sponsored a Clothesline Project on campus during which local agencies set up display tables highlighting sexual violence services and providing information and materials. Materials were available for students to design t-shirts for the campus-based Clothesline Project. FAMU also held a survivors' ceremony on campus which featured songs and poetry written by survivors and time for a survivors' speak-out.

State Attorney, 19th Circuit Sexual Assault Assistance Program
The Sexual Assault Assistance Program provided local libraries with an updated sexual violence book/video/DVD list. The librarians were pleased to have the information because the library's sexual violence materials were outdated; the library staff agreed to order as many of the newer materials as possible.

Dawn Center of Hernando County

The center staff decided to give out wooden roses instead of teal ribbons during SAAM activities. The website for the roses is http://www.wooden-rose.com/usa/.

Planning and Publicizing:
Instructions
Event Planning Guide
Activities List
Label
Postcard
Ribbon Card
Flyer
Tear Off

Expanding Our Reach:
Reaching Out
Long History
Inviting Policy Makers
Letter to Community Leaders
MySpace Primer
Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) Information
Steps for Creating a SART:

Working with the Media:
Media Release
Media Advisory
Day of Event Release

Logo Files:
Black and White PNG Logo
Color PNG Logo
Black and White JPEG Logo
Color JPEG Logo
Spanish PNG Logo
Spanish GIF Logo
Spanish PDF Logo

Images from Previous SAAM Events