By: Kim Jones

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and is observed every April across the United States and increasingly around the world. Coordinated by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, the month-long campaign raises public awareness about sexual violence, also educating communities, and support survivors.

April marks the 25th Anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which the theme “25 Years Stronger: Looking Back, Moving Forward.”

How to get involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month…

• Wear teal throughout April – Display a teal ribbon, pen, or clothing item to show your support for survivors and your commitment to prevention. It is a simple gesture it starts a conversation and signals solidarity.
• Participate in Denim Day – Held on the last Wednesday in April, denim day is one of the most widely recognized Sexual Assault Awareness Month events. It was created by Peace over Violence in 1999, following a controversial Italian Supreme Court ruling that overturned a rape conviction because the victim had been wearing tight jeans. The court suggested she must have helped remove them, which implied consent. In protest, women in the Italian parliament wore jeans on the steps of the Supreme Court, sparking an international movement. On denim day, people wear jeans as a visible statement against misconceptions about sexual violence.
• Day of Action – The national sexual violence resource center designated a specific day of action each April, encouraging communities to hold events such as rallies, educational workshops, art installations, and social media campaigns focused on prevention.
• Request Workplace Training – Encourage our employer to hold training sessions on consent, by-stander intervention, and recognizing signs of sexual harassment. Many organizations have offered free or subsidized training resources during Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
• Support A Local Crisis Center – Donate funds, volunteer your time, or organize a supply drive for your local sexual assault service provider. Crisis centers often see increased demand during April as the new heightened awareness prompts more survivors to seek support.
• Spread the Word – Help raise awareness by sharing Sexual Assault Awareness Month with your friends, family and followers. The more people who understand the prevalence of sexual violence and the importance of its prevention, the closer we move toward a world free from it.

The statistics surrounding sexual harm underscore why this month remains vital. According to the data from the CDC and Department of Justice:

• Every 68 seconds, another American is sexually assaulted.
• Approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 71 men will experience complete or attempted rape in their lifetime.
• The impact is disproportionately felt in marginalized communities; for example, more than 45% of American Indians and Alaska native women have experienced physical violence, stalking, or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
• Among black women, nearly 1 in 5 will be a victim of rape in her lifetime, highlighting the crucial intersection of race and systematic vulnerability.

Most acts of sexual violence are never reported. Fear of retaliation and embarrassment often cause victims to remain silent instead of reporting the crime. Sexual violence is particularly difficult to stop because offenders rarely face consequences.

The effects of sexual violence can create lifetime difficulties for survivors – depression, PTSD, mental health conditions, sexually transmitted infections, chronic health conditions, physical injuries, substance-abuse, risky sexual behavior, and risk of suicide.

If you or someone you know needs help, they can call 800-656-4673 to talk confidentially with a trained professional from the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)

Annual Easter Party

The Easter Party that was put on by the Recreation and Women’s Committee was a great success. It was the biggest ever. A joyful time was had by all.

Happy Mother’s Day

I would like to wish all of the mothers, step-mothers, grandmother’s and those who fill the role as a mother a happy and enjoyable Mother’s Day!

Upcoming Events

Be on the lookout for upcoming Local events. More information in the May Searchlight.

• Free Fishing Event for the Kids, June 6, 2026 at Bluegill Boat Launch
• 2026 Ruben Burks Scholarship (Application forms will be available soon) Applicants must meet the following criteria: Women between ages 17-35, submit and attach a personal statement or essay including their educational goal, explaining their goals, and why they deserve this scholarship, proof of college/university acceptance, provide most recent school official transcript, two letters of recommendation, and provide documentation of community services and/or volunteerism.

Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising greater awareness about autism spectrum disorder, promoting understanding and acceptance, and celebrating the unique strengths and abilities of children on the spectrum.

This month provides an invaluable opportunity to learn about autism spectrum disorder.

To show love, acceptance and support for people on the autism spectrum, the most common color to wear in April is blue, which stands for calmness, understanding and acceptance.

Did you know….

• Autism spectrum disorder affects 1 in 36 children.
• Boys are nearly 5 times more likely than girls to get diagnosed with autism. Girls are often undiagnosed with autism and misdiagnosed with other conditions.
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the fastest growing development disorders in the United States. ASD is more common than childhood cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.
• Autism spectrum disorder affects all nationalities, all creeds, all religions, all races in both sexes
• ASD is a developmental disability that often presents with challenges before the age of 3 and lasts throughout a person’s lifetime.
• Early identification, treatment, and support matters! Many important outcomes for children’s lives are significantly improved with early diagnosis and treatment.
• There is currently no medical detection blood test or cure for autism spectrum disorder.
• Parents do not and cannot cause autism spectrum disorder. Although the multiple causes of ASD are not known, it is known that parent’s behavior before, during and after pregnancy does not cause ASD.
• Up to a third of people with autism spectrum disorder also developed seizure disorders the rate of seizures in people with ASD is 10 times higher than the general population.
• Hyperlexia, the ability to read above one’s age or grade level in school, commonly accompanies autism spectrum disorder.
• Individuals with ASD may be very creative and find a passion and talent for music, theatre, art, dance, and singing quite easily.
• Children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than typical children. Therefore, it is very important to teach them to swim and to keep an eye on children around water.

These are just a few facts about autism spectrum disorder.

Until next time, stay safe and be blessed!