Walk in the Park to Prevent Sexual Assault Set April 6

Release Date: Monday, April 01, 2013
By Dana Lance, Media Relations Supervisor
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness month

In recognition of National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Chickasaw Nation, East Central University, and other local agencies will co-host the fifth annual "Walking to Stomp Out Sexual Assault" awareness walk beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 6 at Wintersmith Park in Ada, Okla.

The event will feature live music, free carousel and train rides, appearances by the Chickasaw Princesses and the Chickasaw Nation Honor Guard and fingerprinting for children.

Complimentary food and drinks will be served, and a limited number of t-shirts will be available.

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness month, and to raise awareness locally, the Chickasaw Nation and local agencies are inviting everyone to come join a group walk in the park.

"Walking to Stomp Out Sexual Assault" is co-sponsored by Chickasaw Nation Office of Violence Prevention Behavioral Health and Lighthorse Police, ECU Campus Initiative to Reduce Crime Against Women, Probation Enforcement, Family Crisis Center and the Pontotoc County District Attorney's Office.

National and State statistics indicate:

• Every two minutes someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.
• One in three Native American women suffers sexual assault during their lifetime.
• Eighty percent of sexual assaults victims know their perpetrator.
• Nationally, false reports of rape account for less than 3 percent of all reported rapes and only 54 percent of rapes are reported. Most rapes are not reported.

In the event of inclement weather, the event will take place at the Chickasaw Nation Wellness Center, 229 W. Seabrook Road, Ada.

The Chickasaw Nation Office of Violence Prevention provides advocacy services, shelter, transportation, career and education services and mental health counseling to victims of domestic violence and their dependents.

For more information, contact the Chickasaw Nation Office of Violence Prevention (580) 272-5580.