April 1, 2024 | By Michael H. Babcock
Copper Shores is inviting Copper Country community members to join in a month of awareness and activism around the topic of sexual assault. Hosted by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), every April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month -- a time dedicated to rising awareness around sexual assault, sexual abuse and sexual harassment, learning how to support victims and helping people access resources.
“We all play a role in preventing sexual violence,” said Rachel Lamppa, victim advocate at Copper Shores. “We can help prevent sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment by being a community that supports healthy, safe and respectful behaviors and environments.”
Sexual assault prevention is a collaborative effort involving local organizations, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions and concerned citizens. By coming together, Copper Shores and its community partners aim to create a safer, more supportive environment for survivors and prevent sexual violence from occurring.
“The way that we react and respond when a victim opens up to us affects the level of trauma experienced by the victim,” explained Lamppa. “People can take an active approach by improving their own personal and professional reaction when someone discloses abuse or assault to them.
April has been a month of solidarity for sexual assault victims since the 1990’s, but was officially dedicated as National Sexual Assault Awareness Month in 2001. Over the decades, this month of recognition has grown and expanded people’s understanding of the unique needs of sexual assault victims.
Throughout the month of April, Copper Shores will be partaking in, and hosting a variety of events and activities, like Start By Believing, Denim Day and a community favorite, the Puppy Parade. Registration will open soon for the fourth annual Puppy Parade, which is taking place Thursday, April 25 at Quincy Green in Downtown Hancock. Copper Shores will also be running a social media campaign titled "30 Days of SAAM" where we publish at least one piece of content each day using the hashtag #CopperCountrySAAM. We'd love to have you join us for this campaign by following, sharing and tagging @CopperShores on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
To talk to someone about receiving help after sexual assault, contact the Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline by phone at 1 (855) 864-2374, text at 1 (866) 238-1454 or chat live online at mcedsv.org/hotline/hotline-chat.
Show support by donating to purchase EVASane2
This year as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month we are asking the community to show their support by making a donation to help us purchase a brand new piece of equipment for our Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. They are looking to purchase an EVASane2, which enables our SANE nurses to more easily capture needed imagery. This is a huge step forward for the nurses, other care takers and for the patient. Learn more about the product.
New Podcast Episode about SAAM
Join Rachel Lamppa from Copper Shores Victim Support in the latest edition of the Copper Shores Podcast.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2024 with Rachel Lamppa
Bracelets for Survivors
Copper Shores Sexual Assault Hotline now available
