ARISE, Borough Of Ellwood City Help Launch Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Mayor Anthony J. Court along with Johnna Johnston, Grace Schmarewski, and Olivia Gaffron, representatives from ARISE, placed sign around downtown Ellwood City to kick off the Awareness Month.

This month is the 23rd anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The theme for this year’s campaign is “Building Connected Communities”.

“They are really excited about sharing ways that everyone can work together to end sexual violence,” said Mayor Court in an emailed statement. “And as always, they want everyone to know that Arise has many great resources for survivors of violence and they are always here to help.”

The signs also contain information about Arise and services they offer to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Since 1981, ARISE has been the community’s response to violence and abuse, serving victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Other Serious Crimes and Older Victims of Any Crime, as well as services to Human Trafficking victims, while also working to prevent violence and abuse through prevention education, intervention training, and public awareness. Therapy services have been added for trauma victims. As a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the local shelter is active in the oldest and most respected coalition in the country. Statewide, the Shelter’s services are recognized for innovative program excellence.

PICTURED BELOW (left to right): Mayor Anthony Court, Grace Schmarewski, Sgt. Michael McBride, Johanna Johnston, and Olivia Gaffron