SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH 2021

April is here! That means that it is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Water Street is proud to be an active part of helping to build more insight and conversation about many important issues and the related services available at the YWCA Kalamazoo. We are participating in the YWCA’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) activities again this year. This month, we will help to spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the “A Cup of Prevention” stickers, and lovely teal ribbons.

“A CUP OF PREVENTION”

For the month of April, all of our to go cups will have SAAM “A Cup of Prevention” stickers to spread awareness. This month, share your photos of your Cup of Prevention on social media, and don’t forget to tag Water Street Coffee and YWCA Kalamazoo.

DENIM DAY

What is Denim Day? — The campaign was originally triggered by a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans she must have helped her rapist remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. Peace Over Violence developed the Denim Day campaign in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, wearing jeans on Denim Day has become a symbol of protest against erroneous and destructive attitudes about sexual assault. In this rape prevention education campaign we ask community members, elected officials, businesses and students to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing jeans on this day as a visible means of protest against the misconceptions that surround sexual assault.

TEAL RIBBON CAMPAIGN

The teal ribbon represents awareness about sexual assault and gives support for its victims/survivors. The display of the teal ribbons throughout the community communicates a powerful message. It is a statement that says there is no place for sexual assault anywhere in our community, and we stand with the victims/survivors. Throughout the month, we will have teal ribbons out at all our stores available for free. Come grab yours and show your support today!

RECAP FROM YEARS PAST

Even during difficult times with COVID-19, we were inspired by your support and belief in our community! With your help, we raised $452 from April through June, 2020 via our Loyalty Rewards Program. These donations help maintain and further the efforts of the YWCA’s Sexual Assault services right here in Kalamazoo.

We would like to thank everyone for their willingness to spread the word via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the “A Cup of Prevention” stickers, and the teal ribbons that we couldn’t hand out fast enough! We look forward to seeing how much we can raise again this year on Denim Day! It only takes one person to get a conversation started – we are confident that we have collectively started many!

The YWCA wants everyone to know that while they are always happy with the turnout for all things SAAM in April, they are constantly working for awareness and are there to help. And no, they are not just for women. Every YWCA in the nation is built around the needs of its surrounding community. In Kalamazoo, the YWCA has become an active support for sexual and domestic assault victims regardless of gender or sexual orientation, eliminating racism, and educating our children. Their facilities are secure and private and they provide on-site and off-site resources, with team members available 24/7 for anyone who needs them — even if it’s just to hear a supportive voice on the other end of a phone.

For more information about the YWCA and their services, please visit ywcakalamazoo.org.

Questions, comments or concerns? Contact us at media@waterstreetcoffee.com.