Some may already know that April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This month can signify different things in people in our community. For survivors, this month can be about advocating against sexual assault or even letting one’s story be heard to encourage others to come forward and stay strong. For others, this month and all its activities and events raise awareness to this societal affliction and to the resources that are provided for victims.

LaFASA will be hosting its second annual “Denim Day: An Evening at The Guru in Baton Rouge from 6-9 pm on April 10. This is an event for all ages with live music, hor d’oeuvres and wind and beer. This is a perfect opportunity for people in our community to come out and show support and be involved.

In addition to Denim Day on April 25, in Amite City at the Amite Branch of the library, people are welcomed and encouraged to come and learn more about LaFASA. LaFASA is committed to helping survivors stay strong by empowering them. LaFASA is also dedicated to advocating against sexual assault and trying to change the norms that currently exist regarding sexual assault.

For anyone looking for ways to make real differences, there are different opportunities through LaFASA. Options include volunteering with LaFASA as a legal assistant, as a campus program assistant for students that want to work on their own campuses, as a communications volunteer, a volunteer videographer, or as a resource center volunteer. These positions are more clearly defined on the LaFASA website. If you want to get involved but none of these options interest you, call the LaFASA office and speak to someone regarding volunteering, give them your ideas and if they approve, they would be happy to work with you and appreciate your involvement.

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has many suggestions listed in their “30 Days of SAAM” contest. Here you’ll find activities that can be promoted on Instagram to win a $100 Amazon gift card. You can find the details here.

 April is a very important time to stand up and advocate for sexual assault awareness. Help enact change in our community to end sexual violence and help survivors.