YCC Marketing and Communications Specialist Michael Pendleton told the Standard-Examiner on Tuesday that YCC is participating in several local events this month to raise awareness.

“We want to get the word out and help spread awareness because there are a lot of things associated with sexual assault awareness in itself and a lot of messaging that we want to get out there,” he said.

He said the number one message is that YCC is there to help those that have been victims of sexual violence.

“We want the public to know that treat every patient that comes through our doors with the strictest of confidentiality and we are there for them on their schedule,” he said. “One of the statistics I’ve found most alarming is that 90% of sexual assault survivors have PTSD symptoms within the first two weeks after an assault, and then only about 40% of sexual assault survivors ever report their assault to the police, so a lot of these things go unreported, which says to me that there are a lot of people out there who are suffering, and we want them to know we are here.”

Pendleton said YCC is with survivors every step of the way.

“We want them to get the help that they need clinically, emotionally and we have services for those,” he said. “We will be with them every step of the way in that process, and they don’t even have to file a police report. They do have to take some information down so that it stays on file, but they do not have to file a police report. … It’s entirely up to the survivor and what they want to do on their schedule and their timeline.”

YCC kicked off the month with the “What Were You Wearing” event at Weber State University on April 1.

“It displays true stories of sexual assault survivors and what they were wearing when they were assaulted,” Pendleton said. “It goes against the stigma of, ‘Well, if the person wasn’t dressed that way, nothing would’ve happened.’ It’s a very powerful thing once you see what that person was actually wearing and part of their story that’s exhibited along with the clothing from that incident.”

In tandem with this event, YCC also kicked off its “Start By Believing” social media campaign.

Pendleton said YCC and WSU will be hosting a Take Back the Night event on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Copper Nickel in Ogden. The event is open to the public.

“Since the 1960s, Take Back the Night has empowered and supported survivors/victims, helping those in pain, and asserted that it is unacceptable for people to live in fear for their safety,” the event’s website noted. “Take Back the Night rallies, marches, candlelight vigils, and speak-outs are the means by which we show our solidarity. We invite you to join the movement to end and raise awareness of, sexual and interpersonal violence and demonstrate support for survivors and victims on our campus and in our community.”

Pendleton said YCC will also host a popup art exhibit at the Bigelow Building on April 12, from 5-9 p.m.

“We’re going to have an exhibit of art that is created by some of the survivors/clients from YCC,” he said. “They have done these through our ‘Resilience Lab,’ which is one of our support groups to help survivors along their healing path. What they’ve done is they’ve created these pieces of art that are kind of a self-portrait that demonstrates their emotions and part of their path to healing and what they’ve gone through.”

He said the organization is hoping that there will be one major takeaway for the public after this month.

“We’re here so that if someone does need our services, we are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week,” he said.

Pendleton noted that YCC’s 24-hour rape crisis line can be reached at 801-394-6552 and its 24-hour domestic violence crisis line is 801-392-7273. Both lines are able to receive texts.

For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and YCC’s full range of services, visit https://www.yccogden.org/.