The Matteson Area Public Library hopes to bring together the broader community as part of the Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) campaign. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual awareness and prevention campaign organized nationally by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. New organizations and community members are needed to expand sexual assault prevention efforts and help the next generation foster attitudes that promote healthy relationships, equality and respect.
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Matteson Area Public Librarywill be hosting the following programs.
April 1st - 30th Stop-in and Write a Postcard to legislators to speak-out. Write a postcard to government legislators urging them to implement stronger laws for Sexual Assault crimes.
April 10th, 2017: Write a Love Letter to Yourself. Are you dealing with the trauma of assault? Stop in and write a letter to yourself and express your feelings about this issue. 7:00 PM
April 22nd, 2017: Self Defense Program One Light Self Defense team will be teaching self-defense and safety awareness in this 3 hr. program. 10:00 AM Registration required * EVENT FILLED!!
April 22nd, 2017 Silent No More! SPEAKOUT! Are you a survivor of an attack and would like to share your feelings in a safe environment? Come in to the library for a closed safe place a sexual violence crises counselor will be available along with provided materials to draw, write, or just speak to others about this issue and your feelings. 2:00 PM
April 26th, 2017: Wear Denim for a Purpose Make & Take Craft Celebrate National Denim Day and make a craft from denim to take home. 4:30 PM Registration required. Denim Day is a campaign to prevent sexual violence through education and public awareness. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Denim Day is a call to action for all people to come together by wearing denim as a visible sign of protest against sexual violence. It was triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because of the justices felt that since the victim was wearing right jeans she must have helped her rapist remove them, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Participate on this day by wearing jeans and make a craft from denim to take home. *EVENT FILLED!!
Every Monday, the library will post a new "Ted Talk" that focuses on this crucial issue. Look for the link on
the library's webpage at MAPLD.org, Facebook ,and Twitter, accounts.
1. Violence Against Women: Jackson Katz
2. A Call to Men: Tony Porter
3. How We Talk About Sexual Assault Online: Ione Walls
4. Find Your Voice Against Gender Violence: Meera Vijayann
5. Our Story of Rape & Reconciliation: Thorda Elva & Tom Strange
For more details about specific events, or to register visit the Matteson Area Public Library, located at 801 School St. Matteson IL. 60443. Our website is www.MAPLD.org. Call 708-748-4432 ext. 203 or email ASDEPT@MAPLD.ORG.
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