HAVEN to host Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Gathering for survivors, supporters

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and at HAVEN, a large part of what the organization does is help survivors heal and find peace.

On April 22, HAVEN is hosting a Sexual Assault Awareness Month Gathering from 2-5 p.m., 801 Vanguard, in Pontiac. Survivors and supporters are invited to come together in a healing space to express testimony to survivorship through creative projects.

HAVEN is Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. HAVEN provides shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to about 30,000 people per year.

This year marks the 22nd anniversary of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and during April, HAVEN encourages everyone to take time to educate, raise awareness and effect change that will prevent sexual assault, harassment and abuse.

Sexual assault is something that happens in every community and impacts those of all genders, ages, races and more. In a nutshell, it involves any unwanted sexual contact and can include:

· Rape

· Child sexual assault or incest

· Sexual harassment

· Sexual exploitation or trafficking

· Exposing one’s genitals to another without consent

· Public masturbation

· Nonconsensual image sharing

Nearly one in five women in the U.S. have experienced rape or attempted rape during their lifetime and one in 71 men have, as well. Survivors or sexual assault often know the person who assaulted them and the impact to survivors is great, bringing with it guilt, shame, fear and isolation.

If you or someone you love has been sexually assaulted, HAVEN is here to help.

Here’s how to contact HAVEN:

24-HR CRISIS & SUPPORT

248-334-1274

TOLL-FREE CRISIS LINE

877-922-1274

TTY LINE

248-972-2540

To register for the event, email adeherder@haven-oakland.org.

About HAVEN

HAVEN is Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We provide shelter, counseling, advocacy and educational programming to about 30,000 people per year. Our mission is to empower survivors to heal and engage all individuals and communities to address and prevent sexual assault and intimate partner violence – ultimately eradicating it and healing those affected by its injustice.