This April, Prairie Center Against Sexual Assault (PCASA) will engage with the broader central Illinois community as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).  During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, PCASA will bring the theme of “Be The Change” to life by engaging different sectors of the public to help us raise awareness of sexual violence.

• On April 1, PCASA staff and volunteers will decorate downtown Springfield with teal ribbons and signs to help raise awareness.  Banners will also be on display at BUNN on Stevenson Drive and Green Hyundai West at Iles and Veterans Parkway. The color teal was designated the official color of SAAM in 2000 as the color is associated with trust, devotion, and healing.
• Local law enforcement will be displaying teal ribbons on their cruisers through out the month of April. Participating agencies include: Auburn, Chatham, Jacksonville, Pawnee, Riverton, Rochester, Sherman, Springfield, and Williamsville.
• Local coffee shops will feature Sexual Assault Awareness Month #BeTheChange stickers on their coffee sleeves or bags. Shops taking part include: Café Moxo and Grab-A-Java (both locations) in Springfield, Scoop Du Jour in Chatham, and Elm City Roastery and SafeCo Donuts in Jacksonville.

For a complete list of contributing businesses and organizations, visit the PCASA website at prairiecasa.org

This year’s theme of “Be The Change” is based on the idea that everyone can play a role in preventing sexual violence. These are some ways we can all do to help make our communities safer:

1. Speak out when you hear or see disrespectful behavior
2. Promote and model healthy relationships and boundaries
3. Acknowledge that anyone can be a victim of sexual violence regardless, of age, race, gender, or sexual orientation
4. And always believe and support survivors