Live Violence Free to Raise Community-Wide Awareness

April is a big month for Live Violence Free. It is national Child Abuse Prevention, as well as, Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The entire month is dedicated to honoring victims and survivors of both child abuse and sexual assault. With 80 percent of sexual assault victims being under the age of 30 and a report of child abuse made every ten seconds, it is vital we stand up against the dangers of the abuse. As two of our primary focuses at LVF, we are illuminating the truths and celebrating the efforts to combat the violence directly impacting our community.

There are four major events in April we have planned open to the public. First, on Wednesday, April 16, the Annual Trading Places Lunch at Freshies Restaurant will take place from 12 -3 p.m. Come enjoy lunch as the servers and cooks switch position to raise funds for our programs and services. Next, on Friday, April 18th, there will be a free public screening of the documentary Girl Rising. This is a powerful movie that examines the life of nine girls from around the world and their fight to receive an education amidst immense challenges. The viewing is held in the Duke Theater at Lake Tahoe Community College, starting at 7 p.m.

In the effort to fight off future sexual assault incidents, Escobar Training Grounds is holding free self-defense classes for women and children on Friday, April 25 from 6-8 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. These classes will be in both English and Spanish. Lastly, to close out a fun-filled month, our 6th annual Bowl-A-Thon is on Wednesday, April 30 from 6-8 p.m. Gather a team of 4-6 friends, family, or coworkers and bowl to support increasing our services to protect and prevent child abuse.

Keep a look out all month long for two community-wide activities. Live Violence Free will have small blue flags displayed at the City of South Lake Tahoe Parks & Recreation building, Lake Tahoe Community College, Juvenile Treatment Center, Public Library, Boys and Girls Club, and at our office dedicated to victims and survivors of child abuse in our community. Additionally, our Clothesline Project will travel around to different locations to pay respect to victims and survivors of sexual assault. This visual display features t-shirts with messages or illustrations designed by survivors of violence and also supporters of non-violence. Please join us in bringing awareness and preventing child abuse and sexual assault in our community. For further information on any or all of the events above, call 530-544-2118, go to our website at www.liveviolencefree.org or stop by the office at 2941 Lake Tahoe Blvd.