The county's only rape crisis center holds its sexual assault awareness event Friday night.
By ANNE BROACHE
Published March 31, 2004
Every two minutes, a sexual assault happens in America, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Justice. Experts say less than half get reported.
Pasco County's only rape crisis center wants to change that.
In celebration of its work to end sexual violence, Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. invites the public to its third annual National Sexual Assault Awareness Day event on Friday. The free event will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the clubhouse at the Tampa Bay Golf and Country Club in San Antonio.
April is National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.
Nancy Bell, a psychologist and rape survivor, will give the keynote address. Bell, who has co-authored guides on mental health services and pharmaceutical benefits, is currently working with area agencies on a training program to target sexual violence against the elderly.
The evening will include art, music and poetry by sexual assault survivors.
Larry Reidt, a rape prevention educator and outreach services coordinator for Sunrise, said many survivors find artistic expression helps with healing. Deciding to showcase these efforts before an audience is a "big-time step for a big-time trauma," Reidt said.
"We want the public to come and see the faces of the victims, those who are brave enough to share their stories," Reidt added.
Reidt, who planned the event with sexual assault counselor Tammy Taylor, said he expects at least 100 people to attend.
Vendors who specialize in various healing techniques, ranging from journal-writing to diet and exercise, are also scheduled to appear.
The evening is not just for victims and survivors. Event coordinators encourage parents to bring their children for a lesson in protecting themselves from sexual violence. Trained crisis counselors will answer questions about sexual assault.
Sunrise has provided protection and support for abuse victims since 1982. With a rapidly growing staff of about 35 members, the organization offers a domestic violence shelter, free sexual assault counseling, school outreach programs and legal advocacy services. It recently completed a two-year program that led to national accreditation.
A number of federal, state and county sources provide funding for Sunrise's programs. The Florida Council Against Sexual Violence funded Friday's event.
Organizations in more than 20 Florida cities have their own events planned for the day. At each event, attendees will have the chance to sign their names to a banner emblazoned with the motto for the national effort: Decide to end sexual violence.
The banners will be sent to Tallahassee, where they will be linked together and presented to Gov. Jeb Bush.
Reidt said the state has never provided money for rape crisis centers, and he hopes that the banners will send a bold message.
"We try so hard not to talk about sexual assault, and it's the not talking that's hurting," Reidt said.
In March 2003, Congress approved the resolution that gave April its special designation.
"Hallmark doesn't exactly have cards for that yet, but we're working on it," Reidt joked.
TO LEARN MORE
For more information on the National Sexual Assault Awareness Day event, call Sunrise of Pasco County Inc. at 352 521-3358. For more information on sexual assault, visit the Rape Abuse & Incest National Network at www.rainn.org
