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 engaging the community, defining consent, and sharing messages of hope and empowerment.
We are in the process of scheduling a 2025 proclamation signing.
Pictured: Mayor Karl Bandemer declares April 2024 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Fort Wayne
Left to right: 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
Friday, April 11th from 6-8pm at the Tall Rabbit Cafe + Community (2001 Calhoun Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46802)
This FREE public event is a mic night for survivors of sexual violence to share their survivorship and strength through any art medium of their choosing; music, poetry, visual art, etc. Everyone is welcome to come listen and show support for the community at this event focused on healing and uplifting survivors. Coffee, tea, and pastries will be for sale for your enjoyment and proceeds will go to Blue Jacket. Agencies who work with survivors will be present to share resources available to the community. Art supplies will be available and there will be time for attendees to create their own inspiring pieces. Come help raise awareness and show support!
If you would like to share or present at the event please email ewalker@ywcanein.org to coordinate.
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! #SAAM2025 #TealTuesdays
Denim Day
Wear Denim on Wednesday, April 30th to stand in solidarity with sexual assault survivors and victims. Don't forget to share your photos and tag us on social media! #SAAM2025 #DenimDay
Survivors can join our Monday Support Group
Sessions are free and confidential!
We have support groups for adults and adolescents 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@ywcanein.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 10th and 11th!
Share our Toolkit and Social Media Posts
Send out our 2025 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