April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month!

Everyone Is Affected by Sexual Violence

Sexual violence is a significant problem in the United States that can have a profound impact on lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. (cdc)
Every 68 seconds another American is sexually assaulted. (rainn)
1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime (14.8% completed, 2.8% attempted). (rainn)
About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.(rainn)
A majority of child victims are 12-17. Of victims under the age of 18: 34% of victims of sexual assault and rape are under age 12, and 66% of victims of sexual assault and rape are age 12-17. (rainn)
Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime [NSVRC]
Statistics documenting transgender people's experience of sexual violence indicate shockingly high levels of sexual abuse and assault. One in two transgender individuals are sexually abused or assaulted at some point in their lives. (Office For Victims of Crime)
Some reports estimate that transgender survivors may experience rates of sexual assault up to 66 percent, often coupled with physical assaults or abuse. This indicates that the majority of transgender individuals are living with the aftermath of trauma and the fear of possible repeat victimization. (Office For Victims of Crime)

Every year ELAWC partners with local community organizations and college campuses to raise awareness and educate the community on Sexual Assault.

This year we look forward to bring you a number of workshops, Live Conversations on Instagram, community tabling at East Los Angeles College, and Cumbia at the Park!

Here are some ways you can continue to support and raise awareness:

1) Join the Red Lips, Hoops On: INVINCIBLE campaign in April:

Take a picture or video of yourself wearing any shade of red lipstick and your fabulous hoop earrings (from tiny to extra-large, all hoops are welcome).
Tag @elawc, #RLHOI, and tell others why you feel invincible.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Red lips, hoop earrings, and your power pose! This Sexual Assault Awareness Month, let's crack the code of silence and unmask the myths that perpetuate violence against women and girls.

You can make a difference. Be a part of this powerful outreach and prevention campaign that reminds others that outward appearances never provoke or justify sexual violence of any kind.

2) Challenge outrageous and oppressive myths during #SAAM2025 and all year long.

Educate yourself and others. Share resources and have open conversations.
Speak out against victim-blaming language.
Support survivors. Believe them and offer help if they need it.
Hold perpetrators accountable. Report abuse and don't let it be swept under the rug.

3) Join our in-person activities, workshops, IG livestreams & other events at East Los Angeles College, Rio Hondo, ELAWC, and community locations

Workshop: Sexual Assault Awareness in Spanish by El Club del Cafe | Tuesday, April 1 9:30am at The Wellness Center 1200 N. State St. #1008 Los Angeles CA 90033 | Open to the Public

Resource Table: Tuesday, April 1 12:00pm - 2:30pm at Cerritos College | Open to the Public

Resource Table: Wednesday April 2, 23 & 30th 9:00am - 1:00pm at Los Angeles General Medical Center Farmer's Market 2051 Marengo St. Los Angeles CA 90033

Free HIV Testing: Free and confidential HIV testing on Friday April 4, 11 & 25, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm at ELAWC 1431 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90022 | Open to all ELAWC clients and the general public

Workshop: Empowerment Self-Defense | Tuesday April 2 8:30am at Garvanza Elementary School (Parent Center) 317 N Ave 62, Los Angeles, CA 90042 | Event open to all Garvanza School Parents

Presentation: Engaging Boys and Men to End Sexual Violence | Tuesday April 15, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm at East Los Angeles College | Open to ELAC and Rio Hondo students and the public.

Group Activity: Red Lips, Hoops on, Invincible! Who I am and what I wear does not justify sexual violence. A special bilingual activity for Seeds to Flowers Support Group of ELAWC | Wednesday April 16, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm at ELAWC 1431 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90022 | Open to all ELAWC registered clients

Group Activity: Arts & Crafts for Denim Day | Wednesday April 16, 2025 9:00am at The Wellness Center 1200 N. State St. #1008 Los Angeles CA 90033 | Closed event for ELAWC Boyle Heights Promotora Collective

Community Health Event: Free health screenings in partnership with Gracelight Community Health | Friday April 18, 2025 10:00am - 1:00pm at ELAWC 1431 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90022 | Open to all ELAWC clients and the general public | HIV Testing, Blood Pressure Screening, STI Screening, and Diabetes Screening.

Presentation: Human Trafficking Workshop, in Collaboration with SAAVE | Tuesday April 22, 2025 12:15pm - 1:30pm at East Los Angeles College, Room F5-MPR | Open to ELAC Students and the general public.

Community Event: Save the Date for Cumbia at the Park! Sunday April, 27, 2025 11:00am - 3:00pm at Montebello City Park | Open to all

Community Event: Take Back the Night | Tuesday April 29, 2025 10:00am - 2:00pm at East Los Angeles College | Open to all ELAC students and the general public

Event: Denim Day in Collaboration with SAAVE | Wednesday April 30, 2025 10:00am - 2:00pm at East Los Angeles College, Room F5-MPR | Open to ELAC Students and the general public.

Group Activity: Denim Day! A special bilingual activity for Seeds to Flowers Support Group of ELAWC | Wednesday April 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:30pm at ELAWC 1431 S. Atlantic Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90022 | Open to all ELAWC registered clients

IG Live Chats: Join the conversation every Friday! Learn more by visiting our Instagram page

Join us on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Montebello City Park!

4) Your support can make a difference in the lives of those most impacted!

Support our #saam2025 Fundraiser for ELAWC! You can donate to ensure our mission continues to support survivors all year round.
Create your very own personal fundraising page benefiting ELAWC here, or to join the ELAWC Fundraising committee, please contact [email protected]
Become a sponsor for this year's Cumbia at the Park! A community event to raise awareness about Sexual Assault, for sponsorship opportunities please contact Alejandra Aguilar-Avelino at [email protected] or via phone at (323)526-5819 ext.116 & 216
You may also start a Fundraiser on Instagram or Facebook by using your "Create Post" function and then clicking on "Support Nonprofit" and add our full name: East Los Angeles Women's Center.
Get Involved! There are many other ways to join the cause and stay involved all year long.

5) Learn More & Create Awareness

Request a Virtual or In-Person Guest Speaker - Our trained case workers and therapists can join your training or workshop and discuss: How to Support Survivors, Sexual Assault 101, Women's Health (HIV), Coping with Triggers, Grounding Techniques and Mindfulness, Self Defense Workshops and more! For questions regarding services for sexual assault survivors.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

If you or someone you know is in need of support you can always reach us at 800.585.6231

For questions regarding services for sexual assault survivors, please contact: [email protected] | [email protected]

Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and respected. Together, we are stronger, louder, and invincible!