Stand with The Lighthouse during Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Robertsdale, AL – The Lighthouse, together with other community advocates, survivors and supporters recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). The Lighthouse has planned a month-long campaign beginning with a proclamation on Tuesday April 1st by The Baldwin County Commission. This is the same day that individuals are encouraged to wear teal colored clothing as part of a national awareness campaign.
Throughout the month, a series of events and activities have been planned to engage the public in sexual assault prevention and to raise awareness of the resources available for victims and survivors. Local coffee shops are invited to participate in the “Cup of Prevention” initiative, where The Lighthouse will provide teal stickers to place on coffee cups given to customers. The agency will also supply teal ribbons to emergency service providers and offer resources to some of the county’s largest employers.
The Lighthouse’s Take Back The Night event will be held on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6 PM at Coastal Alabama Community College, Bay Minette Campus. Community members are encouraged to join in showing their support for survivors of sexual assault.
Nearly 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape at some point in their lives (nsvrc.org). Statistics show that the most common age for women to experience sexual assault is between 18-24, though anyone can become a victim. This is the reason that we have chosen to partner with the college and provide training and resources at all their campuses.
Rhyon Ervin, Executive Director of The Lighthouse, explains, “our message throughout this month is to let survivors know they are not alone, that they are believed, and that there are resources available to support and aid in their recovery. This message extends beyond April and continues throughout the year.”
Founded in 1994, The Lighthouse is a non-profit agency providing sexual assault services in Baldwin and Escambia counties in Alabama, along with domestic violence services in Baldwin and surrounding counties. To learn more about The Lighthouse, please visit their website at
www.thelighthouseabeacon.org.
