Thursday, April 14 at 8 a.m. — RUTLAND — Join the Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter for “Coffee and Conversation: Sexual Assault in Rutland County” on Thursday, April 14 from 8-9:30 a.m. at the Franklin Conference. “Coffee and Conversation” is being presented as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. A panel discussion, featuring representatives from local agencies, will give a general overview of sexual assault in Rutland County, what prevention efforts are currently happening, and discuss what more can be done. A light breakfast will be served. There is no cost to attend but please RSVP by Monday, April 11 by calling 802-775-6788 or by email at info@rcwn.org.
Panelists will include Chief Brian Kilcullen of the Rutland City Police Department; Rutland County State’s Attorney Rosemary Kennedy; Amy B. Miller-Bremel, CHANGE initiative coordinator at Castleton University; and Sheena Fisher, BSN, RN, CEN, sexual assault nurse examiner from Rutland Regional Medical Center. The panel of experts will be moderated by Avaloy Lanning, MSW, RCWNS executive director.
Sexual assault is a widespread issue. Nearly one in five women and one in 71 men are reported to be victims of sexual assault. The Rutland County Women’s Network & Shelter provides support to victims of sexual assault through emergency shelter, medical and legal advocacy, counseling and case management, and referrals to area resources. In 2015, RCWNS accompanied 26 victims during sexual assault nurse exams at Rutland Regional Medical Center. Additionally, RCWNS provides prevention efforts through the communities of Rutland County in an effort to prevent future incidents of sexual violence. For the 24-hour crisis hotline call 802-775-3232. To learn more about the Rutland County Women’s Network and Shelter visit rcwn.org, or call the office at 802-775-6788.
