Disturbed by the number of rapes reported in the Wood River Valley, former Blaine County Commissioner Len Harlig and other concerned citizens formed the Rape Awareness Task Force. The organization introduced Rape Awareness Week to raise public awareness, change attitudes, provide advice and educate the community about sexual-assault issues.
"The program was initiated because we are no different than any other community, but we are different because we are a community that did not want to tolerate dating violence, sexual assault and rape," said Harlig, chairman of the event.
In its third year, Rape Awareness Week is scheduled for Tuesday to Thursday, Nov. 1 to Nov. 3.
"What we are trying to do is get people talking with each other," Harlig said.
The feature performance, "You The Man," addresses sexual-assault issues. A free performance is set for 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ketchum. It is open to the public.
The program will also be presented to all sixth- to 12th-grade Blaine County students and Community School eighth- to 12th-grade students throughout the week. A panel discussion follows the program.
"The most important things for the kids to gain is an awareness of the consequences of rape, sexual assault and dating violence, and also to know that if any of those terrible things happen there are places to go and places to get help," said Katherine Schoene, Blaine County School District community relations coordinator.
Cathy Plourde of AddVerb Productions wrote the performance that utilizes six characters to engage the audience. Actor Tim Collins performs the one-man show.
"It all fits under the umbrella of dating violence, sexual assault and personal responsibility," Harlig said.
The Rape Awareness Task Force brings together concerned citizens, the Blaine County School District, Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence, YAK!, St. Luke's Wood River Medical Center, Blaine County Prosecutor's Office, The Community School, local churches and law enforcement agencies.
