DC Coalition to End Sexual Violence, A Partnership Between Men Can Stop Rape and DC Rape Crisis Center

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Like the rest of the nation, the District of Columbia is recognizing National Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April with many opportunities to learn about preventing and ending sexual assault and supporting survivors.

SAAM will be formally recognized by the DC City Council on April 4^th at 10:00 AM in room 500 of the Wilson Building. The DC Coalition to End Sexual Violence (DCCESV) has also proclaimed April 4^th "Teal Tuesday," asking all DC residents to wear teal to show their support for sexual violence survivors and prevention education.

"It is urgent that the District of Columbia recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month; not only because it acknowledges and respects the survivors of rape and sexual assault, but because it allows us to really talk about what is happening in our community," said Councilmember Mary Cheh, the primary sponsor of the resolution. "These heinous crimes are underreported, difficult to talk about, and can debilitate a victim's life. Rape and sexual assault can occur at any time, but let's use April as an opportunity to share resources with the public and strengthen prevention efforts rather than waiting for the next victim."

Since 1993, sexual assault has decreased by 60% nationally, thanks to the awareness campaigns by DC organizations that provide services to sexual assault victims and prevention education, as well as the historic gains made by the Sexual Assault Victims' Rights Amendment Act, the Violence Against Women Act, and other laws passed and being enforced around the country.

"The work of local victim service providers and DCCESV ensures that the focus on sexual assault is not just in April, and that awareness is enhanced, laws are enforced, and services are provided throughout the year," said Michelle Garcia, Director of the DC Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants.

DCCESV is coordinating a community calendar for April on ASK DC, (www.askdc.org), providing residents with opportunities for skill building, trainings, and awareness raising like a social media toolkit, workshops, support groups, film discussions, and community events. DCCESV is committed to equipping the District with the ability to discuss gender-based violence and to take action to prevent and end all violence.  

The District of Columbia Coalition to End Sexual Violence (DCCESV) is the District's premier sexual assault alliance for direct service providers, prevention programs, and stakeholders in the city. DC Rape Crisis Center (DCRCC) and Men Can Stop Rape (MCSR) are proud to partner on this pioneering initiative. 
DC Rape Crisis Center is a direct service provider dedicated to creating a world free of sexual violence through conscience and action.
Men Can Stop Rape is a national Washington, DC based nonprofit organization that has led the call to redefine masculinity and male strength as part of preventing men's violence against women.

SOURCE Men Can Stop Rape