(Brown, Door, Marinette, Oconto, Wis.) – April 2021 marks 20 years of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.  The Sexual Assault Center of Family Services and its community partners in law enforcement are teaming up all month long to raise awareness of this issue and its impact on individuals across northeast Wisconsin.

Throughout April, teal ribbons will be displayed on the squad cars of 19 law enforcement agencies in Brown, Door, Marinette and Oconto counties. Teal is the color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The ribbons signify the relationship between the Sexual Assault Center and law enforcement in responding to and protecting survivors.

“We are grateful that should victims choose to report their assault, law enforcement works diligently to keep victims safe from further harm and holds offenders accountable,” said Holli Fisher, program manager of the Sexual Assault Center in Brown County.  “The awareness ribbon magnets highlight the issue of sexual assault in our communities, and let victims know that we will support them.”

Participating agencies include:

• Ashwaubenon Public Safety
• Brown County Sheriff’s Office
• Coleman Police Department
• De Pere Police Department
• Door County Sheriff’s Department
• Gillett Police Department
• Green Bay Police Department
• Lena Police Department
• Marinette County Sheriff’s Department
• Marinette Police Department
• Pulaski Police Department
• Oconto County Sheriff’s Department
• Oconto Falls Police Department
• Oconto Police Department
• Sturgeon Bay Police Department
• Norbert College Campus Safety
• Suring Police Department
• University of Wisconsin – Green Bay Campus Safety
• Wrightstown Police Department

“We are committed to working with the Sexual Assault Center to educate, bring awareness, and work together to help protect victims and apprehend the suspects responsible for these crimes,” said Commander Kevin Warych of the Green Bay Police Department.

In 2020, the Sexual Assault Center assisted 1,453 survivors of sexual assault and sex trafficking. Its advocates work closely with law enforcement and other community partners to make sure victims get the help they need to begin the healing process. Services are free and confidential and include one-on-one support at the hospital and throughout the legal process. Advocates also provide information and access to support groups, as well as prevention education at schools and organizations throughout the community.

Click here to learn more about the Sexual Assault Center the services it provides.