“Teal Out The Town” For Sexual Assault Survivors

In conjunction with April being Sexual Assault Awareness month,  nonprofit organization RVAP (the Rape Victim Advocacy Program of the University of Iowa) in conjunction with the Lee County Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault is conducting the movement “Teal Out The Town”. Area businesses in Keokuk are joining the campaign with teal colored signs on their windows and displays, with messages of support to victims and survivors.  

Sexual violence statistics reveal staggering numbers, guaranteeing many people in the Lee County area will be affected or have a close friend or relative affected. The RVAP website RVAP.org brings those statistics to light. 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men experience a completed or attempted rape assault in their lifetime. 94% of women who are raped experience post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in the  2 weeks following the rape. In about 85% of sexual assault cases, the perpetrator and victim know each other in some capacity, with 9% of assaults being made by the persons spouse or partner.

Anyone wanting more information on the movement here in Lee County and Keokuk can contact Carmalitta Baum or DeArria Seay at 319-325-4867 or follow this link.