April is Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month and a local organization in the region has some events planned to make sure it is known.
The Monadnock Center for Violence Prevention (MCVP) is hosting several events in Keene that are open to the public.
The MCVP works with the community to help educate on prevention and identifying unhealthy relationships, while also working directly with survivors through their crisis line, Christy Keefe, director of development, said.
“We are just trying to break the cycle of violence … It’s a circle and somebody has to go in and change it,” Keefe said.
The organization will kick off the month with the annual Take Back the Night event on April 2 in Keene Central Square.
From there the community members can participate in the Empower Walk on April 6 at 10 a.m.
Keefe said registration is not required to participate, but if one chooses to register it is a way to donate to the organization. However, she said, “It’s much more important to raise awareness than raise funds.”
Later in the month on April 20, people can meet up at Frogg Brewery in Swanzey and donate to the organization by purchasing art from local artists. Additionally, a percentage of the proceeds from drinks will go towards the crisis line.
Lastly, the MCVP will be hosting a pinwheel parade to recognize Child Abuse Awareness Month in Central Square on April 28.
“Pinwheels are a sign of simplicity and joy and how easy and carefree childhood deserves to be,” Keefe said.
At the end of the parade, the pinwheels will be planted in Central Square.
Other events are being hosted throughout the month, like a tarot card reading event, a sound bath event dining to donate at Panera Bread and a Burlesque show.
The organization will also be raising awareness on Denim Day on April 24.
Denim Day is a day where people can show support to survivors by wearing denim jeans.
“When you wear jeans you’re saying that you believe survivors,” Keefe said.
Tim Bruns can be contacted at
tbruns@kscequinox.com
