EDITOR’S NOTE: The Family Crisis Center is observing Sexual Assault (SA) Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention (CAP) Month in April. Today’s story focuses on SA; CAP information will be shared soon in a second article.
While observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, Kylee Graves has at least two goals in mind – spreading the word about Family Crisis Center (FCC) services and encouraging victims to report sexual offenses to her staff and/or law enforcement.
“As we share information about our multi-faceted services, we hope victims realize that professional, compassionate help is quickly available,” said Graves, FCC executive director. “We know sexual assault is under-reported and strongly emphasize that we can guide victims through their trauma and recovery.
“It also is important to promote education in the many communities we serve,” she added. “This is why we offer quite a number of activities during this special month. It is a time for advocates, survivors, families and the community to talk openly about sexual violence.”
Graves also asks survivors to consider attending the FCC’s support groups at its two locations, 1924 Broadway in Great Bend, or 400 S. Main, Suite 101, in Pratt.
“When adult victims share their stories in a group or one-on-one with an FCC advocate, they are not obligated to report the offense to law enforcement. It is entirely your choice,” Graves said. “These meetings are just great opportunities to connect with other survivors and work through the healing journey, while receiving support and resources.”
The Great Bend Sexual Assault Survivor Group meets from 5 to 6:15 p.m. every other Monday, while the Domestic Violence Survivor Group meets from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Wednesday.
In Pratt, the Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Survivor Group meets from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Monday. Childcare and dinner are provided at all meetings at no cost; transportation also is available.
Call 620-793-9941 for more detailed information.
Activities
The FCC will blanket the community with educational and entertaining events. They include:
• Wear the color teal on April 7.
• The “What Were You Wearing” exhibit displays replicas of clothing that survivors wore when assaulted. It demonstrates that it does NOT matter what a person is wearing; an assault can happen any time.
• The 5K Run & Zoo Fun are set for April 11. Check-in for the run is 6:30 a.m. at Brit Spaugh Zoo, with the race starting at 7 a.m.; cost is $35 and a t-shirt is included. The Child Abuse Prevention event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Local tea vendors will have teal and blue teas available.
• On April 20, Nick Taylor will lead a free women’s jiu jitsu self-defense class from 6 to 8 p.m. at Central Kansas Dream Center, 2100 Broadway. FCC provides childcare and the 5 p.m. dinner at no cost.
• Rhythm and Brews, 1210 Main, will host Rock Against Rape/Music Bingo from 7 to 9:30 p.m. April 14 and 28. Cost to play is $25; prizes are awarded.
• April 29 is Denim Day when business owners are asked to allow employees to wear jeans and donate a personal-hygiene item to survivors in the FCC shelter.
• The Traveling photo booth is available as a community-involvement project.
• The FCC’s School and Community Advocate will meet with School Resource Officers and invite students to complete pledge cards affirming their commitment to stand in solidarity with sexual-assault survivors and help their school be a safe place for everyone.
• The Battle of the Badge is available throughout the FCC’s service territory. For example, Stafford County is hosting a friendly tug-of-war tournament between first responders, while collecting hygiene items for the shelter from competitors and spectators. Other counties can host their own events, while competing for collecting the most hygiene items.
The FCC serves 10 counties - Barton, Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Kiowa, Ness, Pawnee, Pratt, Rush and Stafford.
