Sexual Assault Awareness program Thursday

Sunny skies are in the forecast for Thursday and if you're passing the courthouse square, you'll likely see a tent erected by the Greene County Prosecutor's Office, Middle Way House and the Sexual Assault Task Force.

Stop in for a free tree sapling they'll be handing out. You can also pick up information about how to help put an end to sexual abuse.

They're planning a little ceremony at 2 p.m. when live butterflies will be released in honor of victims.

This event has been in the works for awhile -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month -- and is part of an ongoing effort to bring the problem "out of the shadows" because hiding it doesn't help end it. But a number of people have been working to raise awareness in Greene County about sexual assault as well as domestic abuse and that includes teens who have gotten involved.

Sorry I missed getting a picture, but still want to send a little recognition to those teenagers who took extra time out of their weekend to put a teal-colored ribbon on the Greene County Sheriff's Department's patrol vehicles to help raise awareness.

It might not seem like a big deal, but just like the pink ribbon campaign, when people see the teal-colored ribbons in this campaign, over time it does raise awareness of the issue.

When I talked to Jeanette Walker of Middle Way House earlier this week, she was very proud of the teens and said they had managed to get a ribbon attached to every police vehicle in Greene County.

If you can't stop by the courthouse lawn today, there is another way to help in this effort -- buy a tee shirt. This year's tee shirts are black and have the phrase "No Means No" in teal lettering on the front. The cost is $8 for most sizes and can be ordered by calling Middle Way House in Greene County at 384-8769. Proceeds will help fund the cost of special training for people in Greene County who treat victims.

Chris Pruett 4/21/10 Anna is a staff writer at the Greene County Daily World and can be reached by calling 847-4487 or by sending an e-mail to indianarose@fastmail.us .