Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse

Across the country, individuals, youth, communities, schools, and agencies will be taking action to increase awareness about sexual assault while working to end sexual violence. This year we will be focusing on how sexual violence impacts online spaces and what every person can do to build safe, respectful online space for all.

How you talk about sexual violence matters. Whether you show your support for a survivor or help someone understand these issues, your voice is powerful and necessary in this conversation.

• Talk to your children, teens, family, and friends about the importance of healthy relationships and healthy boundaries. Movies, TV, and books are full of healthy and unhealthy relationships you can use as examples. • Invite ATVP to present to your class, community group, club, or other organization (in April and year round). • When you hear comments that blame victims or make light of sexual violence, speak up so others know you that don’t agree. Show them that you believe survivors, and that you’re a safe person to talk to. • Join ATVP in wearing denim on April 28th. In 1998, Italy’s Supreme Court overturned a rapist’s conviction because the victim wore jeans, reasoning that she must have helped her attacker remove them. This action was the catalyst for Denim Day, a day when supporters around the world wear jeans to take a stand against sexual violence.

Teaching kids about healthy relationships, communication, and boundaries is an important part of our work! Utilizing evidence-based curricula, we work with classrooms, high school groups, and afterschool programs to help youth build healthy skills. Our Palouse Peer Educators is a group of local high school students who are trained to present on comprehensive sex education. Contact ATVP to request a presentation!

Make sure to follow us on social media to learn more about how to be involved, information on our upcoming events, and to learn more about sexual assault and other issues that face our community!