Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) runs through April, culminating with a Week of Action from 24 to 30 April, and we are delighted to have Netball Tasmania and Hockey Tasmania each playing a big role in the program this year.
SAAM is the main community activity on the annual calendar for Sexual Assault Support Service and is now in its fourth year in Tasmania. The focus for SAAM is on increasing awareness, educating the community and breaking down the stigma of talking about sexual assault.
SASS CEO Jill Maxwell says the support and involvement from Netball Tasmania and Hockey Tasmania is a powerful way of spreading the message.
“We believe everyone in the community has a role to play in helping eliminate sexual harm” says Jill.
“Support from organisations such as Netball and Hockey help to normalise the conversation about sexual violence and highlight that as Tasmanians we can all do our bit to make change. It’s also a good way to highlight the services available, which is so important for survivors and their family and friends.”
“Netball Tasmania has been partnering with us for three years now,” says Jill. “Having a SAAM Round in the Tasmanian Netball League each year allows us to reach a state-wide audience. To see players, umpires, coaches and officials wearing teal ribbons and our temporary tattoos is something that makes our team at SASS very proud.”
“And this year we are delighted to also have Hockey Tasmania on board, holding a SAAM Round this Saturday.”
“I encourage everyone in the hockey and netball communities to get behind their local team and watch a game this weekend. Show your support for these sporting organisations and teams who are supporting the work we do in the community.”
OPPORTUNITY FOR PHOTOS AND INTERVIEWS
When: Thursday 27 April, 10.30am
Where: Blundstone Arena Media Room, 15 Derwent Street, Bellerive
Who: SASS CEO Jill Maxwell, Netball Tasmania CEO Mitch Coulson, Hockey Tasmania Operations Manager Daniel Willing, various players representing each sport.
Ends.
Released for Sexual Assault Support Service by Jo Bailey, Manager - Marketing & Communitications