DATE: March 24, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Miriam Firpo-Jimenez, Nancy J. Cotterman Center
PHONE: 954-357-5754
EMAIL: mfjimez@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Broward County joins the rest of the nation in observing April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month. The County's Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC) is promoting the prevention of sexual violence and child abuse through special events and public education during the observance. Last year, NJCC served over 3,600 victims of sexual assault and child abuse.
This year's theme, "Making Meaningful Connections: Creating Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships and Environments for all Children & Safer Campuses. Together we can end sexual violence and child physical abuse," underscores the importance of educating everyone to speak out against sexual assault and child abuse. Child abuse or neglect often takes place in the home at the hands of a person the child knows well - a parent, relative, babysitter, or friend of the family. Child sexual abuse prevention must be a community wide priority to confront the reality that one in six boys and one in four girls will be sexually assaulted before the age 18.
And on college campuses, one in five women and one in 16 men are sexually assaulted during their time in college. "When we actively get involved we can prevent sexual violence. The first step to ending sexual violence and disempowering the perpetrators is to is increase education, awareness, and community involvement." said Miriam Firpo-Jimenez, Director of the Nancy J. Cotterman Center. "It's time for all of us to take action to create a safer environment for all." Residents throughout Broward County can view the 2015 campaign on Broward County Transit buses and are urged to contact the Nancy J. Cotterman Center at 954-761-7273 and speak to a crisis counselor if they are a victim or suspect someone they know is a victim of sexual assault or child abuse.
Several local activities planned throughout April include:
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE)Training at Nancy J. Cotterman Center - through April 3rd
Critical training for any medical provider who wishes to complete forensic examination for adolescent or adult victims of sexual violence.
Governmental Center Exhibit - April 2015
Throughout April, residents are invited to stop by the Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, to view a powerful exhibit of survivor art and awareness. This is an opportunity to learn more about sexual violence and how to be part of the solution.
Denim Day - Tuesday, April 14th
Residents are encouraged to make a social statement with their fashion by wearing denim and denim ribbons to bring attention to sexual assault and child abuse. This visible show of support encourages everyone to talk about the issues, correct the misconceptions and no longer tolerate the silence that breeds violence.
What is the purpose of Denim Day? In 1997, in Rome, Italy an 18 year old was raped by a 45 year old driving instructor. The perpetrator was convicted of rape and sentenced to jail. He appealed the sentence which was overturned by the Italian Supreme Court based on the belief that the victim's jeans were so tight that the perpetrator could not have removed them without her consent. The Italian Parliament and the world were outraged and wore jeans to protest the decision and to show support for victims of sexual assault. This sparked a Denim Day movement in the United States in more than 20 states during the month of April.
On April 14th, show your support for ending sexual violence and child abuse by wearing blue jeans to the Broward County Commission 10AM meeting. Share the importance of this observance with family and friends.
Family Fun and Resource Fair - Broward AWARE! Protecting Our Children - Saturday, April 18th
NJCC along with the Children's Services Council, ChildNet, the Florida Department of Children and Families, School Board of Broward County, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies and other community partners will host a Family Fun and Resource Fair - Broward AWARE! Protecting Our Children, Saturday, April 18th, from 11AM to 3PM, at Roosevelt Gardens Park, 2841 NW 11th Street, Fort Lauderdale. This day of safety and welfare presentations, entertainment, games, raffles and fun for everyone is free and open to the public. For more information call 954-377-1199 or 954-357-5775.
Looking ahead to May:
Family Court Summit Training - Friday, May 15th
Critical training for any medical provider who wishes to complete forensic examination for adolescent or adult victims of sexual violence.
About the Nancy J. Cotterman Center (NJCC)
The Nancy J. Cotterman Center is Broward County's only Accredited Children's Advocacy Center and Certified Rape Crisis Center. NJCC provides a safe, non-threatening environment for victims and supportive family members. Services are intended to assist in matters of public safety, to help families understand what has happened and to aid in their healing from the wounds of child abuse and/or sexual violence. The Center was renamed in 2011 to honor Nancy J. Cotterman, who advocated tirelessly for adult and child victims of sexual and physical abuse through her work at the Broward County Sexual Assault Treatment Center.
NJCC functions as a safety net for victims of sexual assault and/or child abuse and their non-offending family members, and collaborates with community partners in the areas of law enforcement, child protection investigations, state attorney's office attorney general, department of health and others.
For more information on the services of the Nancy J. Cotterman Center call 954-357-5775 or visit our website.