April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
3/27/2025 6:54:00 AM - Behavioral Health

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month!  Statistics show more than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women (84.3%) have experienced violence in their lifetime (Rosay, 2016). More than half (56.1%) have experienced sexual violence. Prevention starts with awareness, education, and action. Together, we can create safer communities for all. #SAAM2025 #UnitedWeChange  SAAM 2025 www.nsvrc.org/saam

To raise awareness for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Behavioral Health Victim Services, Tribal Police Department, and other collaborators will be hosting a free event every week in April.

Everyone is welcome to attend these FREE events. Please see attached flyer for dates/times/locations of events and share out to your offices, with family, and friends to help make these weekly events a success.  

• Week 1 – Self-Defense Class – Tuesday, 4/1/25 at the Tribal Gym from 6-7:30 pm. Open to females only, ages 16 and up.
• Week 2 – Energy Healing Circle – Tuesday, 4/8/25 at Behavioral Health from 5:30-6:30 pm.
• Week 3 – Yoga – Wednesday, 4/16/25 at Behavioral Health from 5:30-6:30 pm.
• Week 4 – Energy Healing Circle – Wednesday, 4/23/25 at Behavioral Health from 5:30-6:30 pm.
• Week 5 – Self-Defense Class – Wednesday, 4/30/25 at the Tribal Gym from 6-7:30 pm. Open to females only, ages 16 and up.
• Pre-Registration is preferred, but not required. To register or for more information, please contact: Behavioral Health Victim Services: 989.775.4400 or BHDVServices@sagchip.org.
• Participants who attend events will be entered in to prize drawings.

This year’s theme for SAAM is Together We Act, United We Change, and highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. This campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding of sexual violence, amplifying the voices of survivors, and empowering us to work together to promote the safety and well-being of others. Everyone in our communities deserves to live in safe and supportive environments where they are treated with respect. When our workplaces, schools, and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault, and harassment.

I sincerely hope you are able to join us at one, if not all of these opportunities and look forward to seeing you there!

Together, we act with purpose! United, we have the power to change the world for the better.

Jalene Lewis
Victim Services Coordinator | Behavioral Health Program

2800 S. Shepherd Rd. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
O: 989.775.4806 | F: 989.775.4851 | E: JLewis@sagchip.org |Mno-yaan (Be Well)