Contributed by Jeaninne Milne MS, DVSA Case Manager, AFS
As a community, we value safety for ourselves and those around us. Sadly, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 92 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. In Alaska, this rate is three times higher than the national average. Additionally, it is thought that up to 63% of these assaults are not reported. To bring awareness to this epidemic, Alaska Family Services is hosting their second annual Step Out event.
Step Out is a free, family friendly, smoke-free event designed to bring our community together, to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. The event features community agencies who provide both resources and a focus on building healthy communities through offering programs that grow and strengthen community connections. RAINN reports that sexual violence has fallen by half in the last 20 years. We believe in order to continue this momentum, we need to work together as a community to educate those around us; empowering our friends and family members to speak up and STEP OUT.
The event will include activities for kids and families, raffles and a trail walk, as well as food trucks, community resources tables and much more. Step Out will take place alongside Mat-Su Regional’s Bike Rodeo at the Menard Center on June 22, 2019 from 11am-1pm.
Reference:
http://ibis.dhss.alaska.gov/indicator/complete_profile/Rape.html
