To the editor,
Let’s be honest, “it” is not an easy subject to talk about. Most of us are uncomfortable talking about sex. But let’s take a moment and get past the blushing, because this conversation is so important.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this April, communities across the country are proclaiming “It’s time … to talk about it!” This year’s campaign encourages individuals and communities to bring healthy sexuality into the conversation on how we connect with and respect one another in order to prevent sexual violence.
By talking about “it” we are making the connection that promoting healthy behaviors encourages relationships that are consensual, respectful and informed. It is important to understand that sexuality is much more than sex. Healthy sexuality is emotional, social, cultural and physical. It is our values, attitudes, feelings, interactions and behaviors. It changes with time and experience.
Individuals need accurate information about relationships, sexuality and positive behaviors to ensure the opportunity to make healthy sexual choices. These choices impact our lives, loved ones, communities and society.
All of us have a role in building safe, healthy relationships and communities. When we start the conversation about healthy sexuality, we raise awareness. Prevent sexual violence by talking about “it.”
In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, Friends Against Abuse would like to announce that we will be hosting a presentation by Melissa McCormick on April 12 from 6:30-8 p.m. open to all community members. The presentation will be held at the Rainy River Community College in the Theater. An earlier presentation will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. for individuals who work with victims of crime. Those interested in attending this profession-related seminar may call Friends Against Abuse for registration details.
McCormick was born and raised and still lives in Windsor, Ontario. At the age of 19, she was returning home from a night out with her friends in Detroit, Mich., when she became stranded on the freeway just minutes away from the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. She was subsequently robbed at gunpoint, kidnapped and sexually assaulted. Working closely with the Detroit police, the perpetrators were brought to justice and three of the men remain incarcerated today.
McCormick’s Canadian best-selling book “The Queen’s Daughter” describes in detail the assault and the aftermath of being a rape victim. And just recently, the film "Determined" was created based on her heroic story.
McCormick devotes her time to travel and to represent all the victims who do not yet have the courage to stand up and speak out. You will learn how McCormick overcame the odds to become a successful advocate and an inspiration to many worldwide.
It’s time to talk about it. Please join us on April 12 and show your support towards ending sexual violence in our community.
LeeAnn Meer
executive director
Friends Against Abuse
International Falls, MN
