Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Allies,
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), a time to elevate the statewide discourse about the impact and prevalence of sexual violence in New Jersey, and to also highlight the ways New Jersey supports a prevention and intervention infrastructure responsive to communities.
Each of New Jersey’s county-based sexual violence service organizations plays a unique and important role in responding to the needs of their community. We are proud to partner with this statewide network of professionals who provide critical services including county-based and statewide hotlines; trauma informed approaches to counseling; training and managing volunteers and Confidential Sexual Violence Advocates; facilitating community education and outreach events; and implementing prevention programming.
While our response is robust, it is important to note the need is still great. A recent survey found that nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 71 men have been raped at some time in their lives. The lifelong impact on survivors and their families is significant. It is essential we work together to reduce perpetration and support survivors and their families.
To that end, we ask that you join us in recognizing Denim Day on April 27, 2016. It’s simple! Wear denim that day to show your support for survivors and to take a stand against rape culture. For more information about Denim Day, please visit http://denimdayinfo.org .
On Denim Day, and during SAAM, we thank the organizations, institutions, and individuals that help New Jersey prevent and address sexual violence. It is an honor to work alongside you in support of our shared vision of a safer, more just, New Jersey.
With appreciation,
Allison Blake, Ph.D.
Commissioner
New Jersey Department of Children and Families
Patricia Teffenhart, MPA
Executive Director
New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault
****
If you, or someone you love, has been sexual assaulted, please call NJCASA’s 24-hour hotline at 800.601.7200.