Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Hi Katie,
Our team collaborated on this newsletter - sharing resources, upcoming events, and meaningful ways to get involved in our work to eliminate sexual violence and its impacts in our communities.
Throughout April, there are many opportunities to connect with SARA and some of our partners in this work, including a joint open house with Foothills Children's Advocacy Center, Simcoe for SARA beer releases, and a Silent Disco at Tom Tom.
We also share articles and resources - hoping our professional development and self care practices can be helpful to you too.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a wonderful time to engage with SARA while bringing attention to our shared vision of a community free from sexual violence. Understanding Child Sexual Grooming, Safer Society This three-part article describes the realities of child sexual grooming, challenging common myths and revealing how it often involves building trust with both children and their communities. It’s a powerful, accessible read for anyone looking to better understand how grooming works—and how to recognize and prevent it. 6-8 minute read, first article here.
Economics as a Factor in Sexual Violence This article from National Sexual Violence Resource Center on how poverty, housing instability, and economic strain deepen vulnerability and limit access to support, offering critical insight into why addressing economic conditions is essential to prevention and healing. 4-6 minute read, here.
Help Stock Our Community ClosetHelp stock the new Community Closet in our shared office with Foothills to provide household items to individuals and families. From haircare and toiletries to cleaning supplies and other essential products, we hope this little closet provides relief to survivors and their loved ones.
Visit our Amazon Wishlish, and either ship from the comfort of your home or bring items to our joint open house, Together in Bloom on April 21. For all upcoming events, visit our event page.
Selvedge Simcoe for SARA Brew Release Local breweries raising awareness and funds for SARA during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Friday, April 10, 5pm-7pm 2415 Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
SuperFly Simcoe for SARA Brew Release Local breweries raising awareness and funds for SARA during April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 4pm-6pm 943 Preston Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Random Row Simcoe for SARA Brew Release w/ Dab for Good Bingo! Join us for Random Row's release with Dab for Good Bingo benefiting SARA. Multiply your support - grab a drink, play bingo, and bring friends! Wednesday, April 15, 5:30pm-8pm 608 Preston Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903  Together in Bloom A Celebration of Collaboration with Foothills Childrens' Advocacy Center. Tuesday, April 21, 4-6 pm 154 Hansen Road, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Free event with refreshments provided. Meet our teams while learning about our work through conversation, digital displays, and art. For more details and registration, visit the event page.
Groove for Good: A Silent Disco Benefitting SARA & Foothills CAC at Tom Tom Fest's Downtown Mall Block Party, Saturday, April 25, 4pm-6pm Downtown Mall at 5th Street Register here. ReadyKids Community Lunch Thursday, April 23, 11:30am-1pm 860 Boars Head Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903. Tickets available here.
Camp Holiday Trails' Hope Grows 2026 An afternoon full of family fun, community connection, and meaningful impact in support of Camp Holiday Trails. Sunday, May 10, 3pm-6pm King Family Vineyards, 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932 Tickets available here.
 Strength Through Safety: Coping Skills, SARA Webinar Series: online and self-paced Led by SARA therapist, Nicole Baucum, LCSW guides this 8-part video series and covers topics around healing, safety, and grounding as well as local resource offerings. This self-guided program is designed to build coping skills to enhance safety across a spectrum. View here.
Recovering from High Control Religion Support Group May 6, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026. 11 sessions total. Led by trauma-psychotherapists: Jackie Rose, LCSW, Nate Skroban, LCSW, and Tonya Ridings, LCSW. This group is for anyone who has experienced harm in a religious or spiritual setting. $75/week. For more information, visit Riverbend's Groups and Events webpage.
Boundaries and Bridges Weekly Support Group Located in Charlottesville, Mindful Innovations offers a range of group-based programs designed to support personal growth, skill-building, and overall well-being. These groups create supportive spaces where participants can learn practical tools, connect with others, and build resilience in their daily lives. Learn more.
Anticipation Anxiety: Train Your Nervous System Trauma-centered somatic practitioner and breath therapist, Teresa Trieb, leads a 9 minute video practice of somatic exercises to help train the nervous system. Watch here.
Calm Breathing Exercise Video Ten minutes of deep relaxation through 4-7-8 breath practice. Watch here. Training for Victim-Centered ProsecutionThis virtual training from the National Prosecutors Alliance features Travis County (Austin) District Attorney José Garza and Director of Victim Services Neva Fernandez, sharing how a prosecutor’s office can center survivor needs in day-to-day practice while advancing reform. Speakers will explore how centering victims can help prosecutors build successful cases and strengthen accountability, but also, at times, complicate their role. The conversation will include concrete strategies for building trust, offering meaningful support, and aligning victim services with a prosecution model that prioritizes safety, dignity, and choice. Speakers: This month's speakers will be Travis County District Attorney José Garza and Neva Fernandez, Director of Victim Services, Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Learn more about our speakers here. Date: April 20th, 2026 Time: 12pm PT / 3pm ET
Sexual Assault awareness and response extends beyond April, here is how you can help every day. Monthly donors give us a special peace-of-mind: steady, reliable funding so we can plan ahead, respond quickly, and sustain critical services year-round.
Join a dedicated group of supporters providing steady, compassionate care all year long as monthly donors. From $2-$250/month, each provides the same sense of relief - knowing you are there thinking about survivors and believing in our approach.
154 Hansen Rd., Suite 201, Charlottesville, VA 22911
24-hr Hotline: (434) 977-7273
Office: (434) 295-7273
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