At YWCA Northeast Indiana, April is a time to raise community awareness about the difficult issues of sexual assault. Be a part of ending this serious problem by getting involved in April. Our goals for this month include being inclusive to all populations, engaging men, defining consent, and sharing messages of hope and empowerment.
Mayor Karl Bandemer declares April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Fort Wayne
A proclamation was signed on April 10th, 2024.
Pictured: Jalynne Hinrichs (YWCA Sexual Violence Advocate), Erica Hamilton (YWCA Sexual Violence Advocate), Acting Mayor Karl Bandemer, Jennifer Rohlf (YWCA Director of Empowerment), and Emma Walker (YWCA Sexual Violence Coordinator)
Speak Your Truth
A coffee shop mic night to empower survivors of sexual assault.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our event on April 12th! We are especially thankful to all of the survivors who shared empowering messages, YWCA staff, community partners, and the Tall Rabbit Cafe. This event wouldn't have been successful without all of you!
Teal Tuesdays
Wear teal on Tuesdays and use it as a conversation starter about topics regarding sexual assault. Don't forget to share your photos and tag us on social media! #SAAM2024 #TealTuesdays
Denim Day
Wear Denim on Wednesday, April 24th to stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors and victims. Don't forget to share your photos and tag us on social media! #SAAM2024 #DenimDay
Survivors can join our Monday Support Group
Sessions are free and confidential!
This support group is intended for female identifying individuals over the age of 18 who have survived some form of sexual violence including but not limited to; sexual assault, rape, and childhood sexual abuse. Each week the group offers a different topic geared towards helping process the trauma of sexual violence and move forward as a survivor.
Reach out for more information!
260.424.4908 ext.113 or advocatecoords@ywcaerew.org
Download our Support Group flyer.
Turn the Town Teal
Be on the lookout for Fort Wayne lights to be teal in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month on April 13th and 14th!
Share our Toolkit and Social Media Posts
Send out our 2024 SAAM Toolkit to friends, family, coworkers, church groups, community clubs, etc. We will use social media to share information, resources, and statistics throughout the month. Make sure to like and share these posts on Facebook and Instagram!
Learn about YWCA Northeast Indiana’s Sexual Violence Services
YWCA Northeast Indiana provides
- Therapy services
- Free and confidential support
- Connection to resources in the community
- Assistance in healing from past and current trauma
- Education on relationships, self-esteem, and other related topics
- Assistance in navigating the legal system (if desired)
- Support groups
- Mental health therapy services
Learn more about our sexual violence services on our website!
Hear from local organizations that provide services to those who have experienced sexual violence. They will explain the processes and procedures that they follow when someone comes to them for help.
Christine Archer
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at Hendricks County, Government Sex Crimes and Crimes Against Children
Detective Sergeant Todd Battershell
Supervisor, Crimes Against Persons Unit Fort Wayne Police Department
Emma Walker
Leslie Cook
Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center
Victim Assistance – Fort Wayne Police Department
YWCA Northeast Indiana Sexual Violence Services
Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
Sexual Violence Prevention CDC