Media Contact: Lucie Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; lucie@eafocus.com; 248.925.6726; Sara Dobbyn, Turning Point; sdobbyn@turningpointmacomb.org; 586-463-4430 Ext. 240
Mount Clemens, Mich.— April 3, 2023—Turning Point, an agency providing services to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking, is again joining the national observation of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM is an annual campaign to raise awareness about sexual violence by educating communities and individuals on its pervasiveness, while offering support, advocacy and learning opportunities on preventive measures. Turning Point President and CEO Sharman Davenport, Ph.D., appreciates the special month to highlight the work Turning Point provides to survivors of sexual violence year-round.
“Turning Point actively engages in SAAM because it is an additional opportunity to create awareness about the prevalence and impact of sexual violence,” Davenport said. “Sexual violence is a destructive and life altering crime – it’s the ultimate violation and degradation of an individual.”
According to the National Sexual Assault Hotline, individuals between age 12-34 are at the highest level of risk for rape and sexual assault. Not limited to that age range, one out of every six American women and one out of every 33 American men have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape.
“These statistics should serve as a call to action to stop this needless and horrific violence,” Davenport said. “We must all be willing to take a stand against sexual violence and the behaviors that promote and support it.”
According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), warning signs of sexual violence can vary between age groups. For teens and college-age adults, signs of depression, such as persistent sadness, lack of energy, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from normal activities, and self-harming behavior can be indicators of sexual violence. A broader list of warning signs can be found here.
Turning Point actively works to end sexual violence by providing community education and access to resources for survivors of sexual assault, including a 24-hour hotline which can be reached at 586-463-6990. This month, Turning Point has three opportunities to show support for survivors of sexual violence.
- April 4 – Wear Teal Day: Show your support for survivors of sexual harassment and abuse by wearing teal — the color of sexual violence prevention and also a color embedded in the Turning Point logo.
- April 14 – Turning Point’s Stepping Out with the Stars fundraising gala; tickets are available for purchase here until April 9.
- April 26 – Denim Day – The day is dedicated to wearing jeans with a purpose – to support survivors and educate oneself about all forms of sexual violence.
About Turning Point
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking survivors, their loved ones, and the community. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy/counseling, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, forensic nurse exams, first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. Second Hand Rose, another Turning Point service, provides survivors with gently used items while providing an opportunity for the community to donate and shop. Serving Metro Detroit for more than 43 years, Turning Point has helped over 125,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.
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