This column by Centre Safe executive director Jennifer Pencek originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
As part of April serving as national Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), Centre Safe will spread awareness and education throughout Centre County, emphasizing the theme of “Together We Act, United We Change.”
Centre Safe celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, honoring decades of tireless work supporting victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking in Centre County.
As we honor the work of Centre Safe, we also want to honor the lived experiences of thousands of victims and survivors who have had to navigate trauma and healing. We must remember that sexual assault, at its core, is a devastating abuse of power — one that affects people of every identity.
It is on all of us to stand up and speak out against it, not only to improve the laws and services available to victims and survivors but also to change the culture and attitudes that allow sexual assault to proliferate.
Nationally, approximately 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual assault and/or harassment in their lifetime. Centre Safe’s 2024 Impact Report highlighted serving 270 sexual assault clients encompassing various identities and backgrounds.
The theme “Together We Act, United We Change” highlights the importance of working together to address and prevent sexual abuse, assault and harassment. This campaign focuses on enhancing public understanding of sexual violence, amplifying the voices of survivors and empowering us to work together to promote the safety and well-being of others.
Everyone in our communities deserves to live in safe and supportive environments where they are treated with respect. When our workplaces, schools and communities work together to uphold safety and respect, we make progress in preventing sexual abuse, assault and harassment.
Events include:
TAKE BACK THE NIGHT
Wednesday, April 2, Old Main, University Park
Lambda Theta Alpha hosted their annual program to spread awareness about sexual violence and share survivors’ stories. The event was co-sponsored by the R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe.
CENCLEAR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION CARNIVAL
Saturday, April 5, 1955 Philipsburg Bigler Hwy., Philipsburg
This community event invited residents to spend quality time with their families while also discovering information about the wealth of local resources available.
SAAM PROCLAMATION
Tuesday, April 8, at 10 a.m., Willowbank Office Building, Bellefonte
The Board of Commissioners proclaim April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month in Centre County.
SMARTER PARENTS, SAFER KIDS WORKSHOP
Tuesday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, Zoom
Centre Safe and Youth Service Bureau present a workshop for parents and caregivers to prevent child sexual abuse. Register at: ccysb.com/project-safe-and-smart/.
“WHAT WERE YOU WEARING?” SURVIVOR ART INSTALLATION
Friday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., HUB-Robeson Center Lounge, University Park
The R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe will display an exhibit that dispels the rape myth that clothing choices provoke sexual violence.
HONORING SURVIVAL: TRANSFORMING THE SPIRIT
Thursday, April 17 from 4 to 7:30 p.m., Palmer Museum of Art, University Park
The R-VOICE Center and Centre Safe will host an evening of healing to honor the strength and resiliency of survivors through various art forms.
DENIM DAY
Wednesday, April 23, all day
All who care about having a safe community free of sexual violence are invited to wear denim with millions of people across the world. On #DenimDay we wear denim to support survivors and use it as a day to educate ourselves and others about the realities of sexual violence.
Centre Safe will be active on social media sharing posts and information. Wear denim, invite your clubs or groups to join you and tag @CentreSafe on socials. For more information on the history and story of the campaign visit: denimdayinfo.org.
STATE COLLEGE FRIENDS DINNER
Wednesday, April 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., 611 E. Prospect Ave., State College
State College Friends is hosting a Mexican dinner in support of Centre Safe. The dinner is free, and donations will benefit Centre Safe.
SMARTER PARENTS, SAFER KIDS WORKSHOP
Thursday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., Zoom
Centre Safe and Youth Service Bureau present a workshop for parents and caregivers to prevent child sexual abuse. Register at: ccysb.com/project-safe-and-smart/.
CENCLEAR CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION CARNIVAL
Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 550 N. Harrison Road, Pleasant Gap
Spend quality time with your family while also discovering information about the wealth of resources available in the community.
Centre Safe provides free and confidential services for anyone in Centre County, including counseling, advocacy, legal support, outreach and education, shelter, transitional housing and safe custody exchanges/supervised visitations via its Child Access Center. Centre Safe’s 24/7 hotline is toll-free at 877-234-5050. Learn more at centresafe.org.
For more information about Centre Safe and SAAM events, contact me at 814-238-7066 or jpencek@centresafe.org. Learn more at centresafe.org/saam.
