Events aim to raise awareness of abuse, sexual assaults

The Collins Center is organizing several events in April for Child Abuse Prevention and Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  Data released from The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2011, shows that one in three females and one in five males in Virginia have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime.

The Collins Center is organizing SPEAK: 16th Annual Sexual Violence Awareness Art Exhibit from Monday, April 2–Monday, April 30.  This exhibit is open to the public and will be on display at The Frame Factory & Gallery at 1820 S. Main St.in Harrisonburg.  The Frame Factory is open Monday–Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Please visit this powerful art show to view all types of art created by those affected by sexual violence.

The third annual nnual Child Advocacy Center 5K Race & Fun Walk will take place on Saturday, April 14.  The 5K will begin at Eastern Mennonite University’s varsity track at 1200 Park Road in Harrisonburg, with registration starting at 8 a.m.  Participants may register online at www.runwalkjog.com/cac or find printable registrations, course map and additional information at www.thecollinscenter.org/5K.  All proceeds benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, a partnership with area organizations to keep children safe in our community.

Two groups the Collins Center is partnering with this spring to provide prevention programs to are the Boys & Girls Clubs of Harrisonburg & Rockingham County and Woodland Montessori School.  The Boys & Girls Clubs are training all program staff on prevention, reporting and policy issues related to child sexual abuse. Woodland Montessori School invites the Collins Center each year to deliver the Care For Kids program to their kindergarten classes.  The program consists of a Parent Meeting and a six-session children’s curriculum focusing on healthy messages about sexuality, body boundaries, and touches, while developing empathy, nurturing skills and respect.