Art show raises awareness of sexual assault

Submitted by The Pioneer Center

National statistics show that one in three girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted by the age of 18, and that one in three high school or college students will experience violence in a relationship. These numbers are startling and significant.

In an effort to raise awareness, VOICE Sexual Assault Services, a division of Pioneer Center for Human Services, challenged local high school artists to create pieces of art reflecting on the theme “From Victim to Survivor to Thriver.”

Participants are hopeful of winning one of four college scholarship monetary awards.

Artwork will be on display throughout April at Lakeside Legacy Arts Park, 401 Country Club Road in Crystal Lake. A reception and awards ceremony will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, April 20, with the awards being announced at 7 p.m.

Accompanying the reception, will be a brief educational info-session that raises awareness of today’s issues surrounding sexual assault, such as “sexting,” date rape drugs, and consent. Parents are encouraged to attend this event to learn the latest information in keeping their children and teens safe.

VOICE is the only Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault approved program in McHenry County. This past year, the program provided services to 114 victims of sexual assault and 23 nonoffending significant others.

All VOICE services are free and confidential and are available to all residents of McHenry County. To learn more, call Dr. Erin Williams at (815) 759-7066 or email ewilliams@pioneercenter.org.

The fourth annual Adolescent Allies Art Show is sponsored by the Donna L. Vestal Fund.

Pioneer Center for Human Services is the largest social service agency in McHenry County providing the most diverse programs. Annually, the organization provides direct services to more than 2,700 individuals and families.

The organization also provides education and outreach to schools and community organizations, reaching more than 10,000 additional individuals.

Pioneer Center addresses social issues in the forms of poverty, homelessness, sexual assault, at-risk youth and families, developmental disabilities, mental illness and substance abuse with the intent of enhancing the quality of life and well-being of people and communities.