Nearly 100 people participated in weekend events in Hailey designed to increase public awareness of sexual assault prevention.
The events were sponsored by The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. Sixty-nine racers competed in the second annual Carbonate Hill Climb in Croy Canyon, which was followed by a barbecue at nearby Hop Porter Park.
On Friday, 13 women took advantage of a free self-defense class sponsored by The Advocates and taught by Gary Peterson of Sun Valley Tae Kwon Do.
Also in April, The Advocates, along with Idaho Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, provided training to local law enforcement and other community service professionals on the "dynamics of sexual assault and how to better assist victims."
Advocates Executive Director Tricia Swartling said the month's events were well attended and successful in increasing awareness for prevention of sexual assault. Her parting advice for the month was that "the No. 1 way for us to prevent sexual assault is to tell people that it is not OK to sexually assault someone."
"Of utmost importance is to respect a person's right to say no," Swartling said. "Sexual assault is an act of violence, not passion. Unfortunately the majority of sexual assaults, at least 66 percent of them, are perpetrated by people the victims know, not by a stranger jumping out from behind a bush.
"The Advocates encourages parents to talk to their pre-teen and teenage children, boys and girls, about sexual assault prevention—how not to be a victim or perpetrator of this crime."
To prevent sexual assault, Swartling advised potential victims to "trust your instincts and get out of uncomfortable situations."
"Be aware of your surroundings," she said. "Be assertive, use a buddy system and watch out for each other. Know your sexual limits. Stay sober. Don't leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from other people."
And perhaps most important of all, she said, "No means no."
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
Racers set out Saturday from Hop Porter Park in Hailey for the second annual Carbonate Hill Climb. The event was sponsored by The Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Photo by Willy Cook
