By News Reporter Gabby Cedano
Sanctuary, Inc. is inviting the community to participate in a series of events throughout April in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Sanctuary, Inc. serves as the Pennyrile region’s sexual assault resource center, providing confidential support services and education. The month-long campaign will feature educational exhibits, community activities and a keynote presentation aimed at raising awareness about sexual violence and supporting survivors across the Pennyrile region.
The observance begins April 1 with Wear Teal Day, where community members are encouraged to wear teal, the official color of sexual violence prevention, to promote awareness and education about preventing sexual assault.
From April 13 through April 17, the public is invited to visit the “What Were You Wearing?” Silent Exhibit, an art installation that challenges common misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. The exhibit recreates clothing worn by survivors at the time of their assault, emphasizing that a person’s clothing does not determine consent.
The exhibit will be open at Madisonville Community College’s John H. Gray Building from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at Hopkinsville Community College’s Student Commons Area from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Sanctuary will also host screenings of the documentary “To Kill a Tiger,” which follows a father’s fight for justice after his daughter is brutally raped, highlighting the the societal challenges surrounding gang violence in rural India. The screenings will take place April 14 at Madisonville Community College and April 16 at Hopkinsville Community College, with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and the film beginning at 5 p.m. at both showings.
On April 18, the Thin Blue Run will take place in partnership with the Hopkinsville Police Department. The countywide run will raise awareness about child abuse and sexual assault prevention while supporting Sanctuary’s mission. The event will conclude at Valor Hall in Oak Grove with a community gathering, recognition of agencies like Sanctuary, Inc. with a check presentation, among other acknowledgements.
Community members can also participate in “Chalk the Walk” from April 20 through April 24, writing encouraging messages outside homes or workplaces in support of survivors. Free bags of chalk can be requested from Sanctuary to participate.
Later in the month, Denim Day will be observed on April 29, encouraging people to wear denim as a symbol of solidarity with survivors and to raise awareness about victim blaming.
The month will conclude with the SAAPM Finale Event on April 30 at the Bruce Convention Center, featuring keynote speaker Elizabeth Smart. Smart will present her book “My Story: The Journey from Abduction to Empowerment,” sharing her experience being kidnapped, surviving and later becoming an activist. The event will begin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. The event is free, but registration is required due to the space being limited.
More information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month events can be found on Sanctuary’s website or social media pages.
