From THE COCOON
April is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence, supporting survivors, and promoting prevention efforts. More than 1 in 2 women and about 1 in 6 men will experience sexual assault in some form during their lifetime.
To commemorate SAAM, the Cocoon invites the public to community events throughout the month of April that amplify survivor voices, challenge harmful attitudes, and encourage meaningful conversations that lead to lasting change.
Free community events
- Perrysburg teal ribbons display – April 1 – 30
- In partnership with the city of Perrysburg, teal ribbons and information about the Cocoon will be displayed along Louisiana Avenue and around the city building.
- What Were You Wearing? – April 6, from 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., BGSU Student Union Room 207
- This exhibit displays representations of clothing worn by sexual assault survivors at the time of their assaults, paired with brief narratives from the survivors themselves. The exhibit’s purpose is to challenge the myth that a person’s clothing choice invites sexual violence, shifting focus to the perpetrator and fostering empathy for survivors. This event is in partnership with the Office of the Dean of Students at BGSU.
- Take Back the Night – April 12, from 5:30 – 10 p.m., BGSU Jerome Library, Pallister Room
- The community is invited to join representatives of BGSU, the Cocoon, presenting speaker Sheena Barns of Equality Ohio, and keynote speaker Rosa Beltre, president and CEO of the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, for an evening of empowerment, community, and solidarity. The event includes a march around campus and a survivor speak-out. People can unite to end interpersonal violence and create safe spaces for all. Speakers will begin at 6:15 p.m., and the march will begin at 7:30 p.m. This event is in partnership with the Office of the Dean of Students at BGSU.
- Wood County Clothesline Project – April 15 (rain date April 16) from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., BGSU Union Oval
- The Wood County Clothesline Project is a display of T-shirts created by Wood County survivors and their loved ones. Every T-shirt shares a powerful story and the display is intended to raise awareness of the prevalence of interpersonal violence in the community. This event is in partnership with the Office of the Dean of Students at BGSU.
- Grounds for Change – April 22, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m., Grounds for Thought, 174 S. Main St., Bowling Green
- Grounds for Thought will host a donation drive and awareness campaign on Earth Day for the Cocoon. People can bring in-kind or monetary donations and learn more about the Cocoon and services offered to survivors and their families.
- Denim Day event – April 29, from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., First United Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, 126 S. Church St.
- The community is invited to wear denim on Denim Day to stand in solidarity with survivors and attend the Denim Day event at First United Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, where the “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit and the Wood County Clothesline Project will be displayed.
- Bystander intervention training – April 29, 5:30 p.m., 6:15 p.m., First United Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green
- People can attend a free dinner at 5:30 p.m. followed by a bystander intervention training conducted by the Cocoon’s prevention educator at 6:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Attendees can RSVP to Amanda at a.ark@thecocoon.org to attend the dinner.
Ticketed event
- SAAM 5K & dog walk – April 11, at 9 a.m., BGSU Student Rec Center
- Tickets are $20 for non-students and $15 for students. The event is sponsored by the BGSU Office of Health and Wellness. This family-friendly event raises funds for the Cocoon and the Dean of Students Survivor Fund. People can preregister at http://bit.ly/4bJZyQf or register at the event.
For more information about the Cocoon and upcoming events, call 419-373-1730, ext. 1013, visit www.thecocoon.org, or follow the Cocoon on social media on Facebook @cocoonwoodcounty and Instagram @thecocoon_woodco.
