Verde Valley News – The Yavapai College Police Department is bringing the community together for an evening of visibility and empowerment in observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in April.
“Instead of bringing attention to what law enforcement does, we want to bring attention to survivors, their needs and what our roles can be to protect them and serve them,” said YC Police Det. Megyn Felton.
The Empowering Survivors event featuring a sexual assault survivor’s story, resource tables, a panel discussion and a candle lighting is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, April 27 in Building 19 on the YC Prescott Campus.
“We know that there’s more happening than what’s reported. We want people to know that we’re here to help in a friendly way,” said Shelby Thomasson, victim advocate for YC Campus Safety, referring to data showing sexual assault is widely unreported because of victim concerns about their treatment by the justice system. But a lot has changed, she said. Law enforcement is prioritizing victim support and advocacy, regardless if a criminal case is brought.
Partnering with the YCPD and sharing her survivor story at the Empowering Survivor’s event is Marie Tueller, a Prescott-area mental health therapist, victim and justice system advocate who was sexually assaulted in 2012. With the help of people who cared about her, Tueller found a path to healing and that path led her to help others dealing with trauma.
“Visibility is one of the most critical pieces for healing. I made myself visible because that’s where the most peace is, along with challenging the culture of victim blaming and the alienation and isolation that it comes with,” Tueller said.
Survivors are empowered by finding a community of other survivors who speak their language, by making connections and learning what they can do to help themselves and help others, Tueller said.
Community, connections and education are the goals of the Empowering Survivors event and of the YC Police, which is striving to create a campus environment in which individuals are comfortable reaching out to the department for help, understanding and guidance on a healing journey, Thomasson said.
The Empowering Survivors event is free and all are welcome.
The YCPD offers a variety of free trainings throughout the year, including sexual-assault prevention, conflict de-escalation and mental health first aid. For information and to register for a class, visit //yc.edu/collegepolice.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
