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Awareness Months

Coming soon.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April)

A woman is raped every 46 seconds. One in three women, one in four girls, one in six boys and one in eleven men will be victims of sexual assault at least once in their lives. In 2001, 9,882 forcible rapes were reported in California and at least, another 23,000 rapes went unreported due to survivor fear about what other people might think.

“Speaking Out Against Sexual Violence” has the power to prevent sexual assault and reduce or eliminate post-assault complications. April is recognized across California and the nation as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Local business, organization, and individuals are encouraged to participate in this consciousness building effort by wearing purple ribbons, displaying information posters and scheduling sexual assault presentations to learn ways to support victims. In addition, the Center will be displaying information booths throughout the community and appearing on local radio and television shows to promote awareness of sexual violence.

The Women Center of San Joaquin County continues to be the sole certified provider of domestic violence and sexual assault services, providing its critical services to over 24,000 victims annually throughout the county. For 30 year, the Center has met the needs of victims, their families and the community in combating sexual assault. The Center also provides a comprehensive educational and policy development program for schools, organizations, and businesses. We ask that Stockton invest in our efforts to stop the silence of Sexual Violence once again. If we can invest in the prevention (the before), we can alter the after by preventing victimization and/or the re-occurrence of this violent crime.

We invite you to join us in “Speaking Out Against Sexual Violence” during the month of April. Contact Rape Prevention Coordinator at (209) 941-2611 for ribbons, posters, rape prevention kits and scheduling presentations.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October)

Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), held every October, is a national effort in educating and raising awareness about the prevalence and cost of domestic violence in our community, the need for prevention and the availability of services for victims of abuse. It also celebrates survivors and honors those fallen victims. Advocates for victims of domestic violence in our community and across our state and country are coming together to help end abuse.

Sadly, the statistics are staggering. Domestic Violence is a problem of epidemic proportions in this country and in our own community. Nationally, nearly one-third of American women (31 percent) report being physically or sexually abused by a husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives, and on average, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in this country every day according to a Commonwealth Fund Survey, 1998. Here in our community, over 500 battered women and their children accessed the Women’s Center emergency shelters, and another 16,000 plus victims sought out counseling and support services, and contacted our 24-hours crisis line last fiscal year.

During the month of October, the Women's Center of San Joaquin County is offering the community a unique opportunity to become involved in domestic violence awareness. On October 1st, community members are invited to join the Women’s Center as they kick off the opening of this month long awareness campaign at their 3rd Annual Unity Day. Part of the day’s event will be honored with community members decorating tiles that depict pictures and/or words expressing support for survivors, fallen victims and/or how domestic violence impacts the individual/community.

Throughout the month, the Women’s Center is asking for local business, organizations and individuals to participate in this campaign by displaying posters (that celebrates San Joaquin County’s diversity) and purple ribbons, wearing a purple lapel pin, and inviting a Women’s Center staff to visit your business, organization, or place of employment to talk about the issues and impact of Domestic Violence. The purple ribbon signifies support, celebrates survivors, honors those fallen victims and demonstrates a commitment to bringing awareness to the community in efforts to break the silence and stop this shattering cycle of abuse.

Unfortunately, these events are not enough. Domestic violence is everyone’s business. It affects all of us – every family, every workplace, and every community. And each one of us has a role to play in stopping domestic violence. Action can be as simple as contributing money or clothing to the Women’s Center shelters, volunteering your time, offering support to battered victims and posting awareness materials in public places.