April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the local non-profit Saving Grace reports that sexual violence continues to impact millions of people across the U.S. More than half of all women and nearly 1 in 3 men experience sexual violence involving physical contact in their lifetime (CDC). Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone—even right here in Central Oregon.
In our community alone, Saving Grace responded to thousands of crisis calls, but many more survivors still remain in silence, unseen and unsupported. Nationwide, 2 out of 3 sexual assaults go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of support (RAINN). That statistic alone is why every voice that stands against sexual assault matters, survivors, and those who will become survivors, need to know our community supports them in every facet of their journey.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Saving Grace is raising awareness and amplifying survivors’ voices through community action. In partnership with Central Oregon Community College, we invite the public to join us for Take Back the Night, an evening of solidarity featuring survivor stories, community speakers, and a candlelight march on campus.
“TAKE BACK THE NIGHT” Presentation & March
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Central Oregon Community College – Willie Hall (Coats Campus Center 201)
“Take Back the Night is more than an event—it’s a movement. It’s about reclaiming our voices, our streets, and our power,” says Stephanie Miller, Development Director at Saving Grace. “By standing together, we send a message: survivors of sexual assault deserve to be heard, believed, and supported.”
On the partnership with Saving Grace, Lindsay Buccafurni, Assistant Director of Student Life at Central Oregon Community College said “One of the realities is that of every five survivors of sexual assault, four of them were assaulted before turning 25 – meaning many of our students are among the highest risk category. Take Back the Night brings a hard topic to the table, and gives our students the recognition they deserve as survivors, and the resources, support and hope they need.”
Participation helps create a future rooted in awareness, prevention, and action. More Ways to Get Involved:
Spread Awareness: Use your voice! Share resources, attend events, and help us build a community where survivors feel safe, heard, and empowered. Repost our social media on Facebook @imaginelifewithoutviolence or Instagram, @savinggracebend.
Join Our Volunteers: Volunteers play a vital role in supporting survivors of sexual assault. Join Saving Grace this April—and beyond—to make a lasting impact through crisis response, events, and outreach. Learn more at www.saving- grace.org/volunteer or email jenna.m@saving-grace.org
Donate to Support Local Survivors: Your donation helps Saving Grace provide safety, advocacy, and healing to survivors of domestic and sexual violence across Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties. Every gift directly supports crisis response, shelter, and vital resources for survivors and their children right here in our community. Give today at www.saving-grace.org/donate Together, we can end sexual assault and build a future free from violence.
