Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2021

 

Sexual violence in our community is an epidemic. News coverage about the problem of sexual assault on college campuses in Louisiana has not stopped since USA Today’s expose of LSU’s mishandling of sexual misconduct complaints against students released on November 16, 2020. Each day, we bear witness to survivors speaking out about the ways these systems have failed them.

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men experience sexual assault while in college. 

The growing attention to campus sexual assault in recent years reveals that Louisiana institutions need to commit to significant social and cultural change on their campuses to support survivors, hold offenders accountable, and prevent sexual violence on their campuses.

Campuses are woefully unprepared to respond to these needs, and so demand for STAR’s services continues to increase. However, our capacity remains limited due to funding cuts from grants and government sources. We need support to sustain our services and our operations to ensure that STAR can meet the needs of this moment. This critical funding would allow STAR to:

• Create and hire for the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee STAR programs and service delivery and manage internal operations and human resources.
• Support salaries for direct services staff, specifically our advocacy, counseling, and legal teams
• Develop sustainable future funding sources for STAR

We stand at a pivotal moment. Luckily, our community is stepping up. Kevin and Winifred Reilly have generously donated a $150,000 challenge grant to help STAR raise funds to meet this critical moment. But we need your help to maximize this gift and raise an additional $150,000 to meet our goal of $300,000 in support for STAR.

That’s why STAR is throwing back to the 90’s. The 1994 Violence Against Women Act was a watershed moment in the history of providing support services to sexual assault survivors. This law provided the first federal funding dedicated to services for sexual assault and rape survivors. In honor of that moment, we’re going retro to help survivors of sexual trauma today and for years to come.

So this April, throwback to a time when our country first started investing in supporting survivors of sexual assault.

Survivors deserve it.

 

Upcoming Events

 

Glitter Box NO Gives Back to STAR

April 1 – 30
The fabulous women-owned shop, Glitter Box NO, is giving STAR 5% of all sales in the month of April in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Check out their online store, or visit their storefront on Royal Street in New Orleans.

 

Smells Like Teen Spirit!

Thursday, April 15
As if your school will miss out! Stand in support of STAR and survivors of sexual violence by going retro for STAR! Participating students can show their support for STAR and dress up for school in their best acid wash jeans, tie dye tees, and velvet scrunchies! Register Your School.

 

STAR Day

Thursday, April 15
Local businesses and organizations can show their support for STAR by posting a STAR graphic on their social media and encouraging their supporters to follow us on social media, volunteer, and/or donate. Learn More.

 

Virtual Survivor Speak-out Event

Thursday, April 15
STAR is hosting a virtual Survivor Speak-out on Thursday, April 15th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. This event will bring together survivors to share their experiences of disclosing sexual assault and sexual abuse. Join STAR and our survivor community to learn ways to respond supportively when someone tells you they were sexually assaulted. Learn more and register.

 

Everybody Dance Now!

Friday, April 23
Ready to pump up the jam??! We’ll pretend like we’re back on that 90’s dance floor, with flashing lights and glow sticks while we dance to all our favorite 90’s hip hop jams at our rad adult dance experience taught by Shamira Arita at the For the Love of Dance Studio. Learn how to bust a move and all the other best 90’s hip hop moves— and don’t forget to come in your best side ponies, neon spandex and crop tops! And oh snap! We’ll have 90’s swag bags for attendees and a prize for the most fly dance outfit! All proceeds from the class will go to STAR!  But hurry — because of COVID protocols, space is limited! Cost: $35. Click here to register.

 

STAR Loves the 90’s Bash at Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine

Thursday, April 29
Party like it’s 1994! Dress up in your best 90’s fashion and enjoy a tasting menu of 90’s inspired appetizers and a wine tasting while listening to all your favorite 90’s jams hosted at Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine. And oh snap! We’ll have 90’s swag bags for attendees and prizes for the most fly outfits. 50% of the proceeds will benefit STAR. But hurry — because of COVID protocols, space is limited!  Cost: $50. Click here to register.

 

Kendra Scott Gives Back

Friday, April 30
Shop for Good with Kendra Scott online April 30th to May 1st with 20% of sales benefiting STAR Louisiana with web code GIVEBACK-1DT0. Or you can shop in store at any the Kendra Scott location in Louisiana for 20% of your purchase going to support STAR Louisiana. Join STAR Louisiana in store from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, April 30th at all Kendra Scott locations. All supporters must mention STAR Louisiana when shopping in store for purchases to benefit the organization. Please be advised Kendra Scott is at limited capacity but please call us if you prefer to pick up curbside, buy online & pick up in store OR call in your order for free shipping! See you there!

Want to host a Kendra Scott private Sip & Shop event for your pod? It’s as easy as inviting some friends over for some drinks and fun as you shop our virtual event! Not ready for in-person gatherings, open up a zoom room and host a virtual shopping trip with friends from all over! Just use the web code GIVEBACK-1DT0 at checkout!

 

90’s Family Fun on the Big Screen!

Saturday, May 1
Join us for the classic 90’s film — Sister Act — at the new Stars ‘n’ Cars Drive-In Cinema in Holden, Louisiana. 25% of the proceeds will benefit STAR. STAR representatives will be on hand with information about our services, and additional cash or card donations to fund survivor support services will be welcome! Cost: $20. Gates open at 6:00 PM, and screening begins at 8:00 PM. Click here to buy tickets.

 

Choose Your Own Event Adventure!

Have your own idea for a great event? Host your own! We welcome individuals who want to host fundraising events for STAR. Please note all events must be pre-approved by STAR. Click on our Fundraising Toolkit to get started!