STCC to recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month with event focused on healing
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will hold an event titled “Finding Your Inner Strength.” in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month on April 28, 11 am-2 p.m.
Focused on awareness, healing and empowerment, the event will feature trauma-informed yoga, self-defense instruction, a live DJ and tables sharing campus and community resources for survivors of sexual and relationship violence. Those attending can also learn more about bystander intervention, enjoy a free grab-and-go lunch and win prizes.
The event is organized by the Safety and Advocacy for Everyone (SAFE) Project and LEAD, a leadership and mentorship program for female students at STCC.
STCC recognizes that sexual assault is widespread in our country and in our world, and is an issue that affects all communities. According to the CDC, one in three women and one in six men report experiencing some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes.
“When we see statistics like this, it can feel impossible to make an impact or create change. However, research suggests that these forms of violence can be prevented by building an active and engaged community where each person does their part to contribute to prevention,” said Cynthia Breunig, SAFE Project Director at STCC. “Learning and practicing bystander intervention skills is one way to build confidence in the part you can play in making a difference.”
“The goal of this event is to honor survivors by raising awareness of this issue and creating a space for healing and empowerment,” says Karolyn Burgos Toribio of LEAD. “We all have the potential to make a difference in ourselves and our world, and this is one way to tap into our own inner strength.”
Event organizers hope that this year’s event will be a success and build toward future programming.
For more information on Finding Your Inner Strength, please visit stcc.edu/resources/stccwecan. You can also follow the STCC SAFE Project on Instagram at instagram.com/stccsafeproject.
For more information on campus and community resources for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking, please see stcc.edu/resources/personal-support/domestic-violence.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu