Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center kicked-off Sexual Assault Awareness Month last week with the Respect Your Date Contest in public high schools. The Contest was an awareness event that took place in all high schools the week before Spring Break vacation and during April which is sexual assault awareness month. 

"This was a fun, interactive event that brings awareness to sexual assault and things students can do to reduce their risk." says Alachua County Victim Advocate Counselor, Laura Kalt.

In addition to the Respect Your Date Contest, Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center will be hosting other public events throughout the month, including:

• Sexual Assault Awareness staffed information tables:
  • April 8th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Santa Fe College Campus
    3000 NW 83rd Street, Gainesville
  • April 8th, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
    Alachua County Health Department
    218 Se 24th Street, Gainesville
• Clothesline Project
  Experiential art project - T-shirts are decorated with images and words that express participants' personal experiences as survivors of sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, or other violent crimes.  A collaborative event involving the Victims' Rights Week Committee.
  April 10th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
  Squirrel Ridge Park,
  1603 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville
  Open to the public, but must RSVP by 4/2.
  RSVP to Laura Kalt at 352-334-3208 or lkalt@alachuacounty.us
• NO! The Rape Documentary
  Comprehensive documentary by Aishah Shahidah Simmons that explores the history and effects of sexual abuse committed against women of color.  A collaborative event involving UF's Women's Affairs Cabinet and Victory Over Violence.
  April 13th, 6:15 p.m.
  University of Florida campus
  Pugh Hall
  Contact Laura Kalt at lkalt@alachuacounty.us
  www.notherapedocumentary.org
• Take A Walk in My Shoes
  Join Lauren Book on Her Walk to the Capitol. Lauren Book, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, is walking from Miami to the Tallahassee. She invites others to join her during this walk to speak out against sexual abuse.
  April 16th 2 p.m.
  Lauren will visit Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center
  218 SE 24th Street, Gainesville
  Other dates to be announced.
  Contact Loretta Golden at llg@alachuacounty.us
   www.laurenskids.org 
• National Crime Victims' Rights Week
  Survivors of crimes are invited to join victim advocates from local agencies and light candles together, read poems, and share their personal stories. Clothesline Project will be on display.  A collaborative event involving the Victims' Rights Week Committee
  April 22nd, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
  Squirrel Ridge Park,
  1603 SW Williston Rd., Gainesville
  Contact Laura Kalt at lkalt@alachuacounty.us

For more information, contact Laura Kalt at 352-334-3208 or lkalt@alachuacounty.us.