April shining light on sexual assaults

Gov. Jennifer Granholm hopes April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month
will educate the public about the problem of sexual assaults and what
can be done about it.

“It’s important to raise awareness about sexual assaults because for
years sexual assault wasn’t talked about, it was very hushed up; it’s
important to give hope to those who have been victims,” said Sarah
Heuser, Education and Prevention Director at the Michigan Domestic
Violence Prevention and Treatment Board in a press release.

The organization helps create and recommend policy relating to
domestic violence, provides information to the public about domestic
violence.

An important part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month is teaching
citizens how to get involved and be part of a solution. There are 29
sexual assault programs in Michigan, including one in Mount Pleasant.

The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program is a program that provides
victims with the help they need in a less traditional environment.

“Being believed is the first step for a victim, it’s absolutely
imperative,” said Jackie Pingel, a St. Johns senior who works with
Sexual Assault Peer Advocates.

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, about six in
10 rape or sexual assault victims know the perpetrator.