(Undated)– The month of April has been designated “Sexual Assault Awareness Month”.
Rachel Partello of the local office for the Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault, or CAASA, says the theme for this year’s observance is “Decide to End Sexual Violence.
Partello says they’re using the occasion to debunk some myths about sexual assault. One of those, Partello says, is that some people think sexual abuse happens to only certain people. She says no one is immune to the crime. Partello says many believe sexual assault involves parties that are total strangers. She says most cases actually involve acquaintances and date rape.
Partello adds there are some people who think Dickinson county and the Iowa Great Lakes are immune from sexual assault. She says anyone who believes that’s the case isn’t looking at reality.
One of the highlights of “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” is the annual sexual assault vigil set for 7:00 p.m. Arpil 18th at the Congregational Church in Spener.
