Since 2009, the month of April has been officially declared Sexual Assault Awareness Month. But the

history of this month has stemmed from movements much before this. During the Civil Rights Movement, there

was attention brought to black women who were victims of sexual assault that were more likely to be dismissed

due to prejudice. In the 1970s women of the Bay Area opened the first rape crisis center in the US and within

the next few years, hundreds more were opened. In more recent history, teaching consent has been

implemented in high school health classes.

Here at Newfield, sophomore Stephanie Uréna took it upon herself to educate her peers about this important

topic. Many of you had probably passed the table with teal pins and flyers with information for anyone who

needed help or knows someone who needs help. Many of us still have these pins on our backpacks and see

them daily. The goal of this was to not only spread awareness but to let people who are victims of sexual

assault know that they are not alone. Stephanie says that “My wish is to bring light to those who need help

finding their voice that has been taken away.” We hope that student initiatives like this can help bring sexual

assault to an end.

Resources for Victims:

https://vibesli.org/

“OUR MISSION is to support clients to become free from violence through crisis intervention,

counseling, advocacy, and an array of support services that empower and transition clients towards

independence.”

National Sexual Assult Hotline: 1-800-656-4673