Join SPARCC This April to Raise Awareness of Sexual Violence

March 29, 2021 – Sarasota

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Each year during SAAM, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc. (SPARCC) collaborates with community partners to raise awareness, commemorate SAAM and show support for survivors of sexual assault. This April, SPARCC is hosting three exciting ways to encourage groups and businesses to help spread awareness. Community partners can get involved by participating in the Day of Action, Denim Day, and/or scheduling a free prevention education presentation.

• Tuesday, April 6^th – Day of Action or “Wear Teal Day” – Supporters raise awareness by sharing a photo of themselves or a group wearing teal to social media and tagging @SPARCC_Sarasota. By wearing teal, the symbol of sexual violence prevention and the official color of SAAM, supporters will drive further awareness around the importance of consent, respect and supporting survivors online and in everyday life.
• Wednesday, April 28^th – Denim Day – supporters can help survivors of sexual violence take a stand by wearing denim and sharing a photo on social media and tagging @SPARCC_Sarasota. Denim Day is a national campaign triggered by a ruling of the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove them, thereby implying consent. By wearing jeans, supporters send the message that there is never an excuse or invitation for sexual assault.
• The Entire Month of April – supporters, groups and businesses can schedule a free educational training session with SPARCC educators. Topics for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) include, how to help a friend coping with sexual violence, bystander intervention, industry-specific concerns for medical professionals like cosmetologists, law enforcement, bars & restaurants, entertainment venues, and more. 

“SPARCC is actively engaged in preventing and ending violence through addressing and changing social norms that support violence against women,” said SPARCC President & CEO Jessica Hays. “SPARCC is committed to breaking the cycle through awareness and education and we truly believe that everyone can make a positive impact by showing support and taking a stand.”

Some of the local organizations and businesses that have responded and committed to participating in SPARCC Sarasota’s SAAM awareness events include: Brant’s Books; Enzymedica; Kia of Port Charlotte; SAFRAN; Lancaster & Eure, PA; Venice Day Spa; Resilient Retreat; Girls, Inc. of Sarasota County; Elite Property Research, LLC; and Atlantic TNG, LLC. 

You can join SPARCC this April too! 

Stand up against sexual violence by simply posting your photos to social media, tagging @SPARCC_Sarasota and using the hashtags #SAAM #WearTealDay #DayofAction #SupportSurvivors. What’s more, all who participate will be entered into a drawing for a $100 pizza gift card to host a workplace pizza party. Together, we can break the silence surrounding sexual violence and make a difference in our communities. 

For more information, please visit www.sparcc.net/events or contact Communications Manager Ning Qin at nqin@sparcc.net.