Did you know that in the United States, 81% of women and 43% of men have reported some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime? 

These figures show that sexual violence can occurs quite frequently and perhaps one of the causes is that the community does not have sufficient knowledge and tools to identify and prevent this public health problem. 

In order to raise awareness around sexual violence prevention, the Yo Digo No Más movement (YDNM), the City Hall and the Yonkers School District, joined together to hold the first I Say No More to Sexual Violence March. 

This April 30th, starting at 11:00 a.m., we invite you to raise your voice against this scourge and in support of survivors of sexual abuse. 

What do we celebrate in April? 

This day will be held as part of the National Sexual Violence Awareness Month (SAAM). This month has been designated since 2001 to raise awareness about the prevention of sexual violence, and is the result of the struggle of women’s groups to eliminate sexual abuse and violence based on race and gender. 

Awareness day 

On April 30th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., an awareness day will take place, starting with a march in support of survivors of sexual abuse, from Yonkers City Hall – Unity Fountain (40 South Broadway, Yonkers NY) to the Eugenio Maria de Hostos MicroSociety School (75 Morris St, Yonkers NY), where, in addition, a series of workshops with experts and an art exhibition will take place. 

Resources to create awareness 

In order to provide tools to children, adolescents, teachers and the community in general, a group of experts has designed a set of workshops to raise awareness among participants. The workshops that will be held throughout the day will be the following: 

•         “Healing Series”, by the Me Too Movement.
•         “Trauma-informed systems at school”, by Dra. Kimberly Alba and Dra. Crista Maracic.
•         “A guide to better mental health”, by Lisset Herrera.
•         “The Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Violence in Westchester”, by Fredric I. Green and Christine Hatfield.
•         “Teen dating violence and healthy relationships”, by Janelle Armentano.
•         “Breaking Intergenerational Trauma”, by Priscila Méndez.
•         “Parenting skills to prevent sexual violence”, by Maria Trusa.
•         “Standing up for yourself: a conversation with the mother of a child survivor”, by María Quezada, and moderated by Lissette Herrera.

Each of these workshops will enable attendees to acquire skills that will allow them to detect possible cases of sexual violence in their environment, as well as to act to help survivors and break the chains of sexual abuse.

How to participate in the march?

There are several ways to take part in the I Say No More to Sexual Violence March: first, by mobilizing to reject sexual violence and support survivors of abuse.

The second, by participating as a sponsor during the event.

In any case, you will be joining your voice to that of hundreds of people who, day after day, undertake a constant fight against a type of violence that has claimed millions of victims around the world, and that can cause serious physical and emotional damage.

In addition, it is also possible to participate by sharing the march publications disseminated through the official digital channels of the #YoDigoNoMás Movement, Maria Trusa and Yonkers Public Schools.

Find detailed information about the First I Say No More to Sexual Violence March on the Yo Digo No Más website.

Raise your voice this April 30th, join the movement and let’s make history together by taking an important step in the fight to stop the silent pandemic of sexual abuse.