April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

LEE COUNTY - In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April (SAAM), DVIP & RVAP Crisis Services is hosting a series of events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing support for victims and survivors of sexual assault.
SAAM is a reminder that sexual assault is a critical issue that affects individuals and families in every community. Your involvement—whether through volunteering, donating, or using this month to raise awareness in your own way—makes a huge difference in the lives of victim-survivors. We invite you to stand with DVIP & RVAP this April and beyond as we work together to create safer, more supportive communities in southern Iowa.
Shop for Survivors: Every April, DVIP & RVAP hosts two Shop for Survivors events within our service region. Between the two events, we collect nearly nine months' worth of in-kind goods for victim-survivors. Volunteers, board members, and staff will be on-site at participating Hy-Vee and Fareway locations to solicit donations for the organization’s most needed items for sexual assault victim-survivors go-bags and hotel stays, such as over-the-counter medicine, hygiene products, and
microwavable meals. Shop for Survivors in Lee, Henry, Washington, and Des Moines Counties will take place April 8, 3:30-6:30PM. Shop for Survivors in Johnson County will take place April 18, 9am-2pm. If you miss Shop for Survivors but would still like to donate goods to the cause, contact 319-359-9353 to set up a drop-off appointment.
DVIP & RVAP is also hosting other Sexual Assault Awareness Month events, activities, and initiatives, including:
● SAAM Day of Action: Teal is the nationally recognized color of sexual assault awareness. Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing teal on April 7th to show support and raise awareness for victims of sexual assault. We encourage you to share your photos of your teal outfit on social media using the hashtag #TealTuesday, and tag us @dvipiowa. By doing so, you help spread the message that we stand together in the fight against sexual assault and that there is hope, help, and healing available.
● Color Run: in partnership with the Student Nurses Association at SCC Keokuk – join us for a Color Run! A portion of proceeds will benefit DVIP/RVAP. April 18, 10 am, in Montrose, Iowa. If you register before March 30, you will receive a race t-shirt! All ages welcome.
● The Clothesline Project: The Clothesline Project is a visual display of violence statistics that often go ignored. Each shirt is made by a survivor of violence or by someone who has lost a loved one to violence. Attendees are invited to create a shirt to add to the interactive display.
○ Burlington: April 7, 1-4 pm, Burlington Public Library
○ Keokuk: April 13, 1-4 pm, Keokuk Public Library

○ Fort Madison: April 21, 1-4 pm, Fort Madison Public Library
○ Washington: April 23, 11-4 pm, Main Street Town Square
○ Iowa City: April 28, 11-4 pm, Chauncey Swan Park
● Denim Day: Join DVIP & RVAP in wearing denim jeans on April 29th, to show support for people affected by sexual assault. The Denim Day campaign began in 1999 after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court to overturn a rape conviction because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped the person who raped her remove them, thereby implying consent. Following the reversal, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. We encourage you to share your photos of your Denim Day fit on social media using the hashtag #DVIPRVAPDenim and tag us @dvipiowa. By doing so, you help spread the message that we stand together in the fight against sexual assault and that there is hope, help, and healing available.
Sweets for SANE: DVIP & RVAP will celebrate the support that victims receive from our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) and emergency room staff across our eight service counties. Their dedication to protecting and serving our communities is vital to our mission, and we show our gratitude for their commitment to victims by supplying them with baked goods throughout April.
Book Displays at Local Libraries: In collaboration with local libraries, we are launching SAAM book displays at libraries throughout our service region. These displays feature literature that addresses and represents sexual assault and that offer insights and resources to those who may be experiencing or have experienced sexual assault. This initiative is a crucial part of our efforts to educate the public and create a culture of understanding and support.
“Sexual Assault Awarness Month (SAAM) gives our agency an opportunity to invite the community to join us as we support victim-survivors of sexual violence and sexual assault.” Shared Alta Medea, Co-Executive Director. “From highlighting their stories during the clothesline project to gathering
resources to support them during the hardest times of their lives we are able to come together as a community and say we believe you - we are here to support you - you are not alone.”
Visit our blog post for more information and updates on SAAM happenings: https://dvipiowa.org/blog/
About DVIP & RVAP Crisis Services: DVIP & RVAP provide comprehensive services to people affected by intimate partner violence, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. For over 45 years, DVIP & RVAP has offered support, resources, and safety to individuals in an eight-county service region, including Cedar, Des Moines, Henry, Iowa, Johnson, Lee, Van Buren, and Washington counties. DVIP & RVAP’s services include 24/7/365 hotlines, shelter, safety planning, advocacy, trauma-informed counseling, emergency pet programs, and more. To learn more, please visit our website at www.dvipiowa.org. Individuals who need help should call the hotline(s) at 1-800-373-1043 or 1-800-228-1625.