Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office Displays Artwork to Honor Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Pictured L to R: Jena Hess, Victim Services Assistant, Calhoun County; David Gilbert, Prosecutor, Calhoun County; Kelly Jo Fournier, Victim Services Coordinator, Calhoun County; Kelsey Kipp, Victim Services Assistant, Calhoun County; Alissa Owens, Child Advocacy Center Program Supervisor, Bronson Sexual Assault Services; Samantha Wolf, Victim Advocate, Bronson Sexual Assault Services; Amber Depuydt-Goodlock, System Manager, Bronson Sexual Assault Services; Marlee Giese, Victim Services Assistant, Calhoun County.
Thanks to a strong partnership with Bronson Sexual Assault Services (SAS), the Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office feels privileged to display survivor artwork in their Victim’s Unit to show support of sexual assault survivors. The Calhoun County Victim’s Unit and SAS collaborate regularly to provide support and advocacy for youth and caregivers throughout child abuse cases.
Each April, held in conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, SAS hosts a benefit dinner to help fund vital programs and services that support sexual assault survivors and their families. This year, as part of the silent auction, two pieces of artwork – created by survivors of all ages – were purchased by community
partners and supporters.
The first art piece titled “Survivor Ribbons” features an array of colored ribbons adorned with words and images reflecting what being a survivor means to them. The second piece, titled “Handprints”, symbolizes solidarity through a collection of multi-colored handprints surrounding a teal ribbon, the recognized symbol for sexual assault awareness and prevention.
Displaying this survivor artwork in our Victim’s Unit serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact local resources have on victims of abuse,”
says David Gilbert, Calhoun County Prosecutor. “The hope is they will encourage conversation and empower more victims to report their experiences and seek help.”
A powerful new video, premiered last month, showcases the heart of Bronson Sexual Assault Services and the strength of the survivors they serve. Watch it here: https://bronsonhealth.us/sas-services
All services provided by Bronson Sexual Assault Services are free and confidential to protect victims and their families. For immediate support, victims of sexual assault can call the 24-hour crisis line at (888) 383-2192.
