Awareness events set for Sexual Assault, Child Abuse month

April is recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). In support of the victims/survivors of this violent crime, the Sequoyah County Coordinated Community Response/Sexual Assault Response Team/Domestic Violence Response/Sexual Assault Response Team (CCR/SART) has a few events planned.

“The public is welcome to join us as we believe education, training and awareness are essential in ending sexual violence,” says Cindy Smith, investigator with the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit. “Let us all choose to be ambassadors of change.”

Smith said the following events have been scheduled:

March 31

During the Sequoyah County Commissioners’ weekly 10 a.m. meeting at the courthouse, the commissioners will be asked by the Sequoyah County CCR/SART to sign a proclamation declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness in Sequoyah County. Join us to show sexual assault support for victims/survivors of this violent crime. Let it be known sexual assault will not be tolerated.

April 1

Sexual Assault Awareness Month begins with Teal Tuesday. Teal is the ribbon color of the month for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and everyone is encouraged to wear teal or teal ribbons. Take pictures of yourself and your family, friends and/or coworkers and post it to your social media page along with #SAAM or #WearTeal.

April 5

The Sequoyah County Mental Health Department will host 2025 Flutterfest in Marble City from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to bring awareness to Child Abuse Prevention Month, Autism Awareness Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Sequoyah County CCR/SART will have a table set up to talk about sexual assault awareness, along with some giveaways. For more information, contact Kassandra Briggs at the Sequoyah County Health Department. Everyone is invited to participate in a day of education and fun.

April 7

During the Sequoyah County Commissioners’ weekly 10 a.m. meeting at the courthouse, the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office will ask the commissioners to sign a proclamation declaring April 6-12 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). Across the country, proclamations are being signed to bring awareness to the rights of victims of all crimes, and educate communities of those rights. Victims of crimes may not be aware they have rights, and in many cases, resources to aid them throughout the judicial process involved in not only reporting crimes, but enabling the victims to have a voice in healing from their victimization.

April 14

The Sequoyah County CCR/ SART will host a Glow Stick Walk 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Muldrow Town Park to shine a light on the horrific crime of sexual violence. “Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and every nine minutes, that victim is a child. Eighty percent of the women will be sexually assaulted by the time they are 25 years old.” Meanwhile, only a fraction of cases are ever reported, and of that, a smaller fraction of perpetrators will end up in prison. Help us bring awareness to sexual assault. Everyone is invited to participate in the walk in support of victims/survivors of sexual assault. Glow sticks and water will be provided, and your presence is important to make this event successful.

April 30

The Sequoyah County CCR/ SART encourages everyone to join in for Denim Day 2025 in support of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “Denim Day is recognized on a Wednesday in April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court to overturn a rape conviction because the justices believed that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the person who raped her remove them, thereby implying consent. Following the reversal, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim.” Everyone is encouraged to show their support by wearing denim and take pics of yourself and your friends, family and/or co-workers and post it on social media with #denimday or #SAAM.