Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
RAISING AWARENESS
Chester County launches campaign to combat and prevent sexual violence
WEST CHESTER » Officials at the Crime Victims’ Center of Chester County, Inc. have coordinated events to kick-off Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) earlier this month with the help of numerous community partners. SAAM is a national initiative that intersects with CVC’s work with victims of sexual violence and prevention education throughout the year.
During the first week of April, CVC partnered with West Chester Borough, Kennett Square Borough, Phoenixville Borough, and the City of Coatesville to hang teal ribbons in recognition of SAAM and to honor victims of sexual violence. West Chester Mayor Lillian DeBaptiste, Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick, Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler, and Coatesville City Manager James Logan joined CVC and many other staff and volunteers to hang the ribbons.
Mayor DeBaptiste commented that “it was such a privilege to join with you and support the important work your agency does 365 days a year, 24/7.” She thanked CVC for the commitment, perseverance, and most of all, their care.
In expression of solidarity with those affected by sexual violence, multiple police departments throughout Chester County will be displaying CVC SAAM awareness ribbon on their police vehicles throughout the month. Police departments include West Goshen, the city of Coatesville, West Chester Borough, West Whiteland, Upper Uwchlan, Kennett Square Borough, and others continue to join the movement.
When asked about his experience with the partnership to promote SAAM, Coatesville City Po
lice Chief Laufer said “I have worked with CVC since 1986 when I was first assigned to the Avondale Barracks out of the State Police Academy. The support they provided to a young trooper working with crime victims was immeasurable. Now my daughter, Trooper Emily Laufer is assigned to the Avondale Barracks and the tradition of service to crime victims in Chester County continues for another generation of law enforcement. Partnering with CVC in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month here in the City of Coatesville was an honor and privilege.”
CVC has provided support for victims of sexual violence and child abuse for 49 years, being there for victims from the first phone call to when they have regained the strength to move beyond their victimization and its immediate impact. CVC is proud to be the only organization in Chester County which provides comprehensive services to victims of all crimes. About half of CVC’s clients experience some form of sexual violence, such as rape, harassment, assault or stalking. Regrettably, half of these clients are children under the age of 18 who have been abused and are navigating the difficult process of bringing their abuser to justice.
“April is an opportunity for CVC to highlight the voices of sexual violence victims, and bring their stories forward,” shares Christine Zaccarelli, CVC’s CEO. “Respecting the dignity of victims of sexual violence means that first, you believe. To believe and listen to a victim’s story is to recognize their trauma. Doing so provides an ally and the necessary strength for victims to heal. Our experienced sexual assault counselors help adults, children and their families move through and beyond their victimization to a more hopeful, healthy future.”
In addition to direct services and child abuse prevention, CVC’s Primary Prevention and Education team, led by Joe Myers, provides primary prevention education in schools, businesses, professional groups and other venues. With the goal of stopping all forms of violence, the prevention program reaches thousands of individuals each year, providing practical skills with the goal of reducing violence in our community.
April will include numerous online and in-person awareness activities and campaigns, including #TealTuesday, #DenimDay on April 27, and community outreach initiatives with local businesses, coffee shops, and police departments.