Leaders of Brave Step, a Charlotte-based nonprofit that empowers individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence, recently launched a new program entitled Changemaker. The Changemaker program gives participants the tools they need to support one another and help prevent future sexual violence.
Sexual violence impacts everyone. Studies show that one in four women and one in six men are sexually abused by the age of 18.
According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 27 million childhood sexual abuse survivors live in the United States. When factoring in that an act of sexual assault occurs at an alarming rate of every 73 seconds, according to RAINN, this country has a mental health crisis on its hands.
“With Sexual Assault Awareness Month only a day away, the launch of Changemaker is a great opportunity for our entire community to take a brave step closer to this issue that affects each and every one of us,” said Caleb Holloway, Brave Step board president and ally to survivors. “We believe this program will inspire and empower adults to take action within their lives and shape a strong, supportive community.”
Created for survivors, loved ones, employers, community leaders and policy educators, Changemakers will access carefully vetted and trusted resources, receive goal setting support, participate in training sessions, and gain the education they need to take steps toward action.
Individuals also sign The Brave Pact, an agreement to “courageously recognize the prevalence of sexual violence, learn about its complexities and solutions, and take bold action.”
By empowering allies, Changemakers will begin to protect current and future generations; create more stabilized family environments; reinforce the workplace and community as a better place to work and live; and give adults a voice and truth to speak out about sexual violence.
“As Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’” said Dannielle Magno, Brave Step Changemaker. “As a mom of a young daughter, I want to help build a better world for her. In a world where nearly half of all women are abused or assaulted at some point in their lives, we must do better. This program allows me to learn what I need to know to build a safe foundation for her.”
Be an ally. Sign The Brave Pact. Visit www.bravestep.org/changemaker.