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CONTACT: Stephanie Marquis, (608) 266-1683
NEW STATE "CHECK YOURSELF" CAMPAIGN FOCUSES
ON SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
MADISON—State health officials announce a new awareness campaign that
encourages people to model behaviors that can help reduce sexual violence.
Individuals are challenged to “Check Yourself” by examining their own
behaviors and act as heroes and role models in challenging attitudes
against sexual violence.
“We can all be courageous, fearless and strong in small ways to break
the silence about sexual violence,” said Dr. Seth Foldy, State Health
Officer. “Adults can show boys and girls how to challenge disrespectful
attitudes that can lead to violence if left unchallenged. We set a
powerful example for kids when we speak up if someone makes a degrading
comment and when we show support for survivors of sexual violence.”
The Department of Health Services worked with the Wisconsin Coalition
Against Sexual Assault (WCASA) to adapt a campaign which was successful in
Vermont. WCASA will distribute materials throughout the state’s public
health service system including local health departments, Women, Infants
and Children nutrition programs, and reproductive health clinics.
Sexual violence can be thought of as a range of verbal and/or physical
acts that break a person's trust and safety and are sexual in nature.
Behaviors range from sexual harassment to unwanted fondling to forced
penetration. All are done without consent.
According to WCASA, it is estimated that as many as 1 in 3 women have
been the victim of sexual assault at some point in her life; that ratio is
1 in 5 for men. Victims are from all racial, cultural and economic
backgrounds – they include our sons, daughters, brothers, sisters,
friends and grandparents. Approximately 93% of sexual assault survivors
were violated by someone they knew and trusted.
In partnership with WCASA, the Department of Health Services Sexual
Violence Prevention Program distributes federal funds, as well as monitors
and evaluates statewide sexual assault prevention activities. Across the
state, sexual assault victim programs are supported through these funds
including training professionals, operating hotlines, counseling, and
referral services. The Department also collaborates with partners
statewide to increase public awareness and knowledge of sexual violence
and its consequences.
Note: copies of the “Check Yourself” posters are attached.
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Last Revised: March 31, 2009 |
