Greene County Prosecutor's Office Event To Support Victims Of Sexual Assault

Last updated on Monday, April 4, 2016

(BLOOMFIELD) - The Greene County Prosecutor’s office is sponsoring an event on April 15 called “Walk a Mile in Their Shoes.”

The deadline to enter is Tuesday.

The event will raise funds for and increase awareness of victims of sexual assault in Greene County.

Registration costs $12 and includes a T-shirt. Event T-shirts are not required to participate.

The walk starts at 11 a.m. at the Greene County Courthouse in Bloomfield on April 15.

Participants will walk a mile around the courthouse, individually or in teams, to promote awareness of sexual assault and to provide resources and help for those affected.

Prizes will be given for the team that collects the most money, and certificates will be given for the team with the most members.

Sexual assault in one form or another is fairly prevalent, even in a small community

The best defense, in many cases, seems to be knowledge. Knowing how to prevent and defend against assault, which situations to avoid, how to talk to friends or family members about sexual assault, who to turn to for help, what signs to look for if you suspect someone you know has been victimized and ways to educate children and loved ones, are all important in protecting yourself and your family.

For further information about the Walk, or services available to victims of sexual assault, contact Victim Advocate Vickie Aydt at 812-384-4998

For registrations, contact the Middle Way House at 812-384-8769

Checks should be made payable to Greene County Foundation SART/ Walk A Mile.

To protect yourself and others from sexual assault:

Know your own boundaries--know what you and your partner are comfortable with, and have a clear understanding.
Make sure everyone knows what consent means--YES means YES and anything else means NO.
Know that you have the right to change your mind anytime you feel uncomfortable.
Sexual assault does NOT happen because of what you wear, how you act, or if you have been drinking.
Make it clear that if you say NO, it means NO.

If you have children:

Be open and honest
Teach them the names of their body parts, and let them know that some of their body parts are private and that other people should not touch or look at them.
Tell them that it's okay to say "no" to touches that make them feel uncomfortable.
Talk about secrets--perpetrators will often use "secret-keeping" to manipulate children. Let your children know that they can always talk to you, especially if they have been told to keep a secret.
Reassure them that they won't get in trouble--make time for them if they want to talk.
With teenagers, always be open and honest and tell them that not all perpetrators look like "rapists."

Possible warning signs in children:

Shrinking away from physical contact
Having trouble in school
Changes in hygiene
Nightmares
Bed wetting
Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behavior

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

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