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Guys with Ties and Girls with Pearls to promote awareness
Each year during the month of April Putnam County Family Support Services' (PCFSS) Sexual Assault Prevention Program as well as other Sexual Assault Prevention Programs across the country join together to raise awareness about sexual violence.
The goal is to educate communities about the dynamics of sexual violence in an effort to end this devastating epidemic that pervades every community and touches every man, woman and child.
During the month of April PCFSS will be implementing the Guys with Ties and Girls with Pearls Campaign in an effort to bring awareness to the community.
Guys with Ties local residents will see wearing teal ties around Putnam County during April are Tom Helmer, Brian Gardner, Jason Chew, Terry Tippin, Alan Zerkel, Brent Sailor, Jim Ensley, Justin Long, Randy Seipel, Mike Collins, Denny Bridges, Tom Sutherlin, Tim Bookwalter, Dean Gambill, Jamie France, Steve Fenwick, Brian Hopkins, Dave Meadows, Jared Jernagan, Eric Bernsee, Jim Hanner, Eric Wolfe, Kieth Puckett, Sonny Stoltz, Paul Jedele, Bill Nunn, Russ Hesler, Matt Headley, Tim Haltom, Brad Hayes, Mark Wildman, Devon Scobee, Bill Shuee, Greg Hill, Dan Bain, Troy Burgess, Carlos Shrewsbury and Ron Birt.
Simultaneously, wearing a single-pearl necklace in support of the program during April will be Girls with Pearls participants Jena Welker, Elizabeth Butts, Linda Merkel, Shelly Chadd, Lori Shuck, Eileen Johnson, Patti Harmless, Angie Daugherty, Judy Irwin, Mary Anne Birt, Cammie Goldman, Michelle Beaman, Tammy Johnson, Tracy Bridges, Tammy Page, Debbie Hassler, Brenda Johnson, Cari Cox, Mary Smiley, Jennifer Cannon, Renee Marsteller, Samantha Richardson, Sue Murray, Jenny Bradshaw, Angie Nally, Shauna Crawley, Tammy Hunter, Jennifer Simon, Donna Byrd, Janie Smith, Lauren Alspaugh, Kirstie McClamrock, Sabrina McGuire, Alicia Linton and Lora Busch.
Most people never stop to think about those impacted by sexual assault as they often don't consider ourselves someone who could help end violence in our community.
However, community involvement (bystander intervention) in this movement is crucial. Involving community members in sexual assault prevention is necessary because the community needs strong leadership in prevention.
As a community member, you might be wondering, "What can I do?"
You can participate in prevention efforts by speaking out against sexual violence and challenging others to speak out as well.
You can be a strong role model in the community by living violence free in your own intimate relationship, demonstrating respect and trust toward others, and intervening when acts of sexual harassment occur.
You can partner with community organizations such as Family Support Services to help raise awareness, dispel myths and assist in changing societal attitudes surrounding sexual assault.
You can encourage others to be positive leaders in the community.
Lastly, you can act as a mentor by educating youth through guidance, positive actions and by demonstrating healthy behaviors in their presence.
The benefit of a positive role model can impact young men and women of our community. Just maybe, because of such influence, they will expect to receive respect in their own intimate relationships and recognize the signs of an unhealthy one.
As a community we often demonstrate a "not me" attitude toward sexual violence. You may not be aware of this, but sexual violence is not a one-time act. It is a progression of experiences and behaviors such as bullying, dating violence, gender inequality, sexual harassment, and witnessing violence as a child. The prevalence of sexual violence in our community is great and manifests in many ways. It can happen to anyone at anytime and it is preventable.
Putnam County Family Support Services has implemented a comprehensive countywide sexual assault prevention plan that includes mobilizing the community in prevention efforts.
Those who would like to learn more about this community movement may attend the annual PCFSS meeting 7-8 p.m. April 15 at The Prindle Institute for Ethics where the organization will present its newest community project, Green Dot Bystander Intervention.
The public's help is needed to eradicate sexual violence in Putnam County. PCFSS efforts are only as strong as the community will allow them to be. For further information, persons may call 653-4820.
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