As Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month get underway, The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) in Bridgeport will highlight the voices of survivors through its exhibit “Unveiling Courage,” from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 4.
“Survivor art tells a story, and we need to listen,” said Nanja Raymond, program manager of Sexual Violence Advocacy Services.
The show dovetails with the National Sexual Violence Resource Center’s theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month – “Building Connected Communities.” “Unveiling Courage” will feature 30 pieces from people outside CFJ – survivors as well as allies who want to support the awareness effort.
The show will also highlight the work of CFJ’s advocacy staff, the Pro Bono Legal Center, the Latin Unit and the Prevention and Education Unit. Students from CFJ’s English as a Second Language class will also present a project they have been working on.
“I am very proud of our advocacy staff for finding a way to pull all these voices together for one, powerful message – that we hear survivors, that we support them and that we will work to end sexual assault,” said Debra Greenwood, CFJ’s president and CEO. “I encourage everyone who supports what we do to come see this unforgettable collection.”
“Unveiling Courage” will begin with a short film, “One in Four,” referring to the fact that one in four women report being sexually assaulted on college campuses. A “Spoken Words” portion will feature participants who use poetry to explore what happened to them and how they cope.
The installation “What Were You Wearing” will be back this year, as it continues to eliminate the myth that a victim can be blamed for wearing clothing that “invites” a sexual assault.
Raymond said that part of last year’s Art for Advocacy show really resonated with people, as mannequins used in the display featured actual outfits that victims were wearing when they were assaulted. There were dresses, T-shirts and jeans. The clothes were worn by men, women and children.
Different people and cultures are affected by sexual assault, Raymond added: “The whole point of this exhibit is that it doesn’t matter what you were wearing.”
“Unveiling Courage “will be held at The Center for Family Justice’s main building, located at 753 Fairfield Ave. For more, contact CFJ at (203) 334-6154 and ask for Nanja Raymond or Marisa Paquette. To RSVP, email mpaquette@centerforfamilyjustice.org.
The Center for Family Justice will continue to engage its community against sexual violence of any kind when it holds its 12th annual Walk a Mile In Her Shoes on Saturday, April 27, at the Fairfield train station.
Walk a Mile in Her Shoes (WAM) serves to engage men and boys to take a step to end violence against women and girls. The event is coordinated by CFJ’s White Ribbon Campaign, a group of male community leaders.
Funds raised from the walk will support the Elizabeth M. Pfriem Camp Hope America –Bridgeport, CFJ’s evidence-based summer camp and yearlong engagement and mentoring program for young people ages 7 through 17 who have experienced the trauma of domestic and/or sexual violence.
The day begins with registration — $25; $10 for students – at 8 a.m. The walk starts promptly at 9 a.m. To register as a team or individual, or just to donate, click here.
For more, visit www.centerforfamilyjustice.org.
If you are in a crisis situation and need help, please call these 24/7 hotlines:
- Domestic violence: 203-384-9559;
- Sexual assault: 203-333-2233;
- Spanish: 888-568-8332;
- Text: (888) 999-5545.
