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YWCA Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) to Host Awareness Events

March 26, 2019

Wilmington, DE: YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) is hosting a variety of events throughout the month of April to engage our community in Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAAM. SARC kicks off the month with Christiana Care with a Wellness and Self-Care themed event. During the rest of April, SARC is partnering with New Castle County Libraries to host weekly documentary screenings and with Sussex County homeless shelters to deliver care packages. Homeless populations are at increased risk of sexual violence.

Kickoff takes place on Monday, April 1, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Christiana Care Ammon Education Center, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Christiana Hospital Campus, Newark, DE 19718. The event is free, and open to the public and will feature music, food, yoga sessions, and self-care activities. Twenty community organizations will be on hand to share information and resources.

“One in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives,” says Elizabeth McCourt, Senior Director of YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC). “We use the month of April to call attention to the impact sexual assault has upon people’s lives and to let people know that here in Delaware there is a place for help, advocacy, and support.”

The film series begins on Friday, April 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the Newark Free Library with the screening of “I am Evidence.” The series continues each week at a different New Castle County library. All movies are free and no registration is required. Those who attend three or more screenings will be entered to win a gift card. Multiple winners will be selected.

  • “My Masculinity Helps,” Tuesday, Apr. 16, 6:30 p.m., Woodlawn Library
  • “Miss Representation,” Tuesday, Apr. 23, 5:45 p.m., Wilmington Library
  • “It Happened Here,” Tuesday, Apr. 30, 6:30 p.m., Kirkwood Library

Homeless populations are at higher risk for sexual violence, so SARC will distribute care packages to homeless shelters throughout Sussex County in April. Each package will include water, snacks, toiletries, and information about free SARC resources. For more details about YWCA SAAM events: Wellness Event, Film Series, Homeless Outreach, visit www.ywcade.org/sarc/saam2019

SARC operates a 24/7 Helpline 800-773-8570 and provides comprehensive, free and confidential rape crisis services to sexual assault survivors aged 12 and older and their non-offending family members, friends, and partners throughout the State of Delaware.

Learn more at www.ywcade.org/sarc

YWCA Delaware is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. We improve the health & safety, economic mobility, family stability and civic participation of women and their families. Learn more at www.ywcade.org. Facebook @ywcadelaware Twitter @ywcade Instagram @ywcade