Since then, annually, including 2017, the POTUS has proclaimed April Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

On March 31, Trump officially acknowledged that April, 2017, would continue to be proclaimed Sexual Assault Awareness Month. “My Administration, including the Department of Justice and the Department of Health and Human Services, will do everything in its power to protect women, children, and men from sexual violence,” Trump said.

Any UCC student who needs immediate assistance regarding this topic can contact security at 541-440-7777. Otherwise students or staff can contact Lynn Johnson in HR located In the Student Center or reach her by phone at 541-440-7690.

The book “We Believe You” can be purchased at webelieveyou.net. A portion of the proceeds support services for survivors. You will be connected from this site to bookstores like Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

 

Child Abuse Awareness Month

In the month of April, Americans also recognize the National Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign which seeks to prevent child abuse and neglect. The event promotes the social and emotional well-being of children and families.

The Oregon Abuse Advocates and Survivors in Service claim that in 2008, 1,104 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in Oregon. They also estimate a total abuse range for children from 20 to 25 percent of girls and 10 to 15 percent of boys.

These are children. Abused children often don’t speak out. Their voices have been diminished, so they really need someone to speak out for them.

A new child abuse prevention coalition has started up in Douglas County called Up2UsNow, through the Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Foundation, working in concert with over 30 Douglas County community partner agencies and organizations. Their goal is to develop a child abuse and neglect prevention initiative. One of their visions is to increase the safety of children in families and social environments.

The National Child Abuse Prevention Month campaign also dates back to the 1970s.  It began with the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment act of 1974 (CAPTA). Signed by then President Nixon, CAPTA legislation provided federal assistance to states for prevention, treatment programs and identification.

However, it wasn’t until 1983 that April was designated National Child Abuse Prevention Month by President Reagan. In 1984, the Bureau’s National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect coordinated activities and produced promotional materials to educate citizens. The campaign’s slogan, “Kids – You can’t beat ‘em” promoted awareness at the same time urging citizens to “Take time out. Don’t take it out on your kid.”

As this campaign continues, much advocacy work and awareness continues on. The National Child Abuse Prevention Month theme for 2017 is “Building Community, Building Hope” which acknowledges the power of communities to address the problem of child abuse and neglect.

According to the UCC website, there are ways to help victims of sexual assault. On Wednesday, April 26, to show support for victims of sexual assault, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to wear denim. “The idea is that wearing denim shirts, jackets, and/or skirts paint a broad visual commitment that at UCC, ‘these hands don’t hurt.’” Another way is to donate fleece blankets and packages of new women’s or children’s underwear. Those donations can be made at the Information Desk in the Student Center throughout the month of April.