UMaine Machias hosting events for April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Machias, Maine — The University of Maine at Machias is raising awareness about sexual violence. As part of April’s annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the university will hold two events that honor survivors and educate the community on how to prevent sexual violence.

In line with this year’s theme, “Together We Act, United We Change,” UMaine Machias invites the town to participate. Both events are free and open to the public.

The Clothesline Project will be on display April 1-30 in Merrill Library with t-shirts that bear witness to the impacts of sexual and relationship violence, decorated by survivors and their loved ones. Visitors are invited to decorate mini paper t-shirts with messages of support or awareness.

Take Back the Night will be held April 23 at 5 p.m. in the Reynolds Center. The event is part of a global movement to end all forms of sexual violence, will start with a resource fair and rally in the Reynolds Center Conference Room, and end with a march to Bad Little Falls Park. Participants are encouraged to wear teal and carry signs in support of the event (limited supplies provided). 

These events are hosted in partnership with AMHC Sexual Assault Services and NextStep Domestic Violence Project. For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, call Jen England at 207.572.5372.

Sexual violence affects millions of Americans. Every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). If you need support, call Maine’s statewide helpline at 1.800.871.7741 to talk to a confidential advocate.