March 27, 2024 – Mary’s Place of the Coastal Empire is slated to host an impressive lineup of community events and initiatives as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month this April. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) has centered this year’s month-long initiative around ‘building connected communities’, which the local nonprofit has dedicated itself to since its establishment in 1975 as the Rape Crisis Center. Mary’s Place is committed to uniting the Coastal Empire with a common aim of putting an end to sexual violence.
“Sexual assault touches every community within our region, and I want all these communities to know that Mary’s Place is here for them to support survivors and prevent future incidents. We encourage the community to join our mission and participate in this year’s exciting lineup of events- whether it be as a supporter, volunteer or sponsor,” said Doris L. Williams, Executive Director.
This April, Mary’s Place is offering a wide variety of ways to participate, including a solidary walk, community initiative, educational summit, and benefit night. The full lineup of events include:
- Jeans for Justice (month-long initiative in April) – Also known as Denim Day”, began in 1999 as part of an international protest of an Italian Supreme Court decision to overturn a rape conviction because the victim was wearing jeans. Utilize the symbolism of jeans to bring attention to sexual assault and to let others know that injustice will not be tolerated in your community. For more information, visit marysplacega.org/jeans-for-justice/.
- Solidarity Walk (6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2024 at Forsyth Park) – Join Mary’s Place for their Solidarity Walk, where all members of the community are invited to participate and provide support for others as we walk in solidarity for the survivors of sexual assault. This uplifting event offers community members a unique opportunity to join in the effort to end sexual violence, show their support for survivors, and raise awareness of the programs and services offered by Mary’s Place. For more information, visit marysplacega.org/solidarity-walk/.
- “Recharge. Reset. Respond.” A Responders Summit on Sexual Assault (8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, Apr. 10, 2024 at Savannah Technical College Eckburg Auditorium) – This free training initiative is designed for a diverse array of professionals, including SART Team Members, representatives from non-profit agencies, law enforcement officials, court administrators, school social workers, counselors, therapists, students pursuing related fields, and all individuals dedicated to providing support to survivors of sexual assault. For more information, please visit https://marysplacega.org/summit-2024/.
- “Find Your Voice” Lip Sync Competition (Friday, Apr. 26 at Victory North) – The competition returns to Victory North for a second year! This innovative fundraising event will once again offer guests delicious food and cocktails, a silent auction, and a chance to enjoy and vote for the teams competing for the 2024 ‘Find Your Voice’ awards. All proceeds benefit our mission to support survivors of sexual assault and prevention education. For more information, visit marysplacega.org/gala/.
For more information including registration, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit marysplacega.org/events/.
Based in Savannah and serving seven counties in the Coastal Empire, Mary’s Place provides a wide range of services including a 24/7 crisis line, hospital accompaniment, support groups, prevention awareness, educational outreach, and more. The nonprofit understands that not only women face sexual violence, but all communities regardless of sex or gender identity. Through education and prevention awareness. Mary’s Place hopes to reduce stigma around asking for help, and ultimately reduce the number of survivors.
Mary’s Place is committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault in the Coastal Empire and to implementing vital prevention and educational programs across the region.
