Each April Riverview Center, Inc. participates in several activities for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This April was definitely no exception. The month began with displaying posters and ribbons in tri-state area hospitals, libraries, restaurants and other businesses to remind the public of the significance of the month of April. Throughout the month students from tri-state middle and high schools submitted posters for an art contest. The winner’s poster will be the theme poster for next year’s SAAM.
Riverview Center, Inc. also sponsored a training focusing on preventing violence in our community. Jackson Katz, an internationally known author, filmmaker, and speaker provided this training to over 500 people at the Grand River Center in Dubuque. Jackson’s audience included teachers, counselors, nurses, law enforcement, students, and others from all over Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Following this training, was Riverview Center, Inc.’s annual dinner. Jackson Katz and a survivor of sexual assault were the keynote speakers at this dinner.
The 2nd annual Put Your Foot Down Against Violence run/walk was held on the Galena Trail. This run/walk was presented by Riverview Center, Inc., Choices, the JoDaviess County State’s Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Coordinator Program, and Tyler’s Center for Justice. This was a free event and an estimated 275 people were present. There were participants from Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and even Nebraska.
Riverview Center, Inc. also held its first Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event. This walk took place in Manchester. This is the international walk to stop rape, sexual abuse, and gender violence. Traditionally men who walk in this event wear high heels to symbolize they are part of the solution to ending the sexual violence that commonly affects the women they care about.
Riverview Center, Inc. participated in the annual Children’s Expo in Manchester. At this expo, Riverview staff and volunteers shared information on the services of Riverview Center, Inc.
In addition to all of these events, Riverview Center, Inc. was still busy providing its usual free services of a 24 hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy, education and prevention programs, and short and long term therapy. To learn more about the services and any upcoming events offered through Riverview Center, Inc. please visit www.riverviewcenter.org.