April 1, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MCCC HOSTS EVENTS TO RECOGNIZE
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

TEMPERANCE, Mich. – Monroe County Community College has scheduled several events at the Whitman Center in recognition of April as national Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The Whitman Center is located at 7777 Lewis Ave. in Temperance.

From April 7 through April 18, the center will host “The Clothesline Project,” a visual reminder of the local impact of domestic violence and sexual assault.  More than 100 shirts created by local survivors of violence against women will be on display in the lobby.

On April 14, Mark Bergmooser, MCCC tae kwon do instructor, will host a women’s self defense seminar from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.  The seminar is designed to help women to recognize threatening situations and gain confidence in their response to an attack.  Participants should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to punch, kick and strike.  Registration and a $29 fee are required for this event.

A “Lunch and Learn” program focusing on how to recognize and end abusive relationships is slated for April 17 from 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.  The program will be hosted by Bonnie Ziesmer, patient advocate for Family Counseling and Shelter Services of Monroe, and Rachel Steffin, domestic violence victim advocate and MCCC student.  Information about date rape drugs and services available for those needing assistance will also be provided.  Participants should bring their own lunch.  The Lunch and Learn is made possible by an Enhancement Grant from The Foundation at Monroe County Community College.

In addition to these Whitman Center events, a rally against domestic violence is scheduled for April 25 at Woodward High School in Toledo, Ohio.  Dubbed “Take Back the Night,” the evening is dedicated to raising awareness of violence against women and sexual assault while creating a supportive environment for expression and empowerment.  Participants can stop by the Whitman Center office to sign up for the rally.  Transportation to the high school will be provided.

For more information about these programs, or to register for the Women’s Self Defense Seminar, call (734) 847-0559.