Manitowoc, Wis., (April 8, 2021) – Sexual assault is never the victim’s fault. And yet they are often blamed.
In honor of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Holy Family Memorial has partnered with InCourage, Manitowoc’s domestic abuse shelter and support organization, to increase awareness of sexual assault and the wide range of individuals impacted.
Throughout the month of April, HFM is displaying jeans decorated by sexual assault survivors, students, and community members in the hospital atrium. Each pair of jeans tells the story of a victim of sexual violence.
Denim displays such as this recognize a landmark case in Italy where a court ruled that the victim’s jeans were so tight that the perpetrator could not have gotten them off without her assistance—and thus, consent. All over the world, survivors of sexual assault continue to be accused of causing the assault with their fashion choice.
With this display, HFM and InCourage show support of sexual assault survivors and hope to increase recognition of their plight.
HFM has a team of five Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) with specialized training in compassionate caring for the emotional and physical health of sexual violence victims. SANE nurses are trained to identify physical trauma, document injuries, collect forensic evidence and maintain the chain of custody, test for and treat sexually transmitted infections, and provide necessary referrals for both men and women.
For more information about InCourage, visit incouragewi.org.
About Holy Family Memorial
Holy Family Memorial, in affiliation with the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin health network, is the recognized leader and largest provider of comprehensive health care services in Manitowoc County. Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, Holy Family Memorial, rooted in the healing ministry of Jesus Christ, is committed to providing high quality medical care and dedicated to helping individuals in the communities Holy Family Memorial serves achieve healthier lives. The Froedtert & MCW health network operates eastern Wisconsin’s only academic medical center and adult Level I Trauma Center at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee. It also includes eight hospital locations, nearly 2,000 physicians and more than 45 health centers and clinics.
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