August 26, 2024 | By Emilie Jacques
Event to support survivors of sexual assault
Copper Shores Community Health Foundation will be on Michigan Technological University’s Walker Lawn on Thursday, September 12, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. for an engaging bracelet-making event focused on supporting survivors of sexual assault. This special event is open to all students and staff, who are encouraged to join the Copper Shores Victim Support team and Michigan Tech’s Title IX Office in crafting bracelets and fostering meaningful connections.
The bracelets are part of Copper Shores’ year-round initiative to provide comfort and solidarity to survivors, including children at the Copper Shores Child Advocacy Center. Each bracelet that is given to a survivor symbolizes a gesture of support from Victim Advocates and offers a tangible source of comfort for individuals who may be navigating the challenges of anxiety and stress related to their experiences. This initiative aims to build connections and provide a reassuring presence for those in need.
Attendees will have the option to craft bracelets in a peaceful, reflective setting or engage in insightful conversations with Copper Shores’ professional victim advocates. These advocates bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge about the range of support and resources available locally for victims of any crime, including those within the Michigan Tech community.
“We can support students with a wide range of needs,” Copper Shores Victim Advocate Rachel Lamppa said. “We can help get them counseling off campus, provide safety resources like mace and personal alarms, and support and accompany them to court, the police station and sexual assault forensic exams.”
In addition to the bracelet-making activity, visitors will have the opportunity to collect free stickers, magnets and informative pamphlets about the work Copper Shores does. Most importantly, they will gain valuable knowledge that can be used to assist those around them who might be in need of support. For more information about the programs and services provided by Copper Shores Victim Support, please visit coppershores.org/victim-support.
