HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Sanctuary Inc. in Hopkinsville is turning Christian County teal in April for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. The goal is to empower survivors, educate the public and promote healing, according to a news release from Sanctuary.

They have teamed up with Pennyrile Rural Electric and Hopkinsville Electric System to distribute teal lightbulbs to community members for the Turn the Town Teal campaign.

“We are proud to partner with Sanctuary in efforts to raise awareness and end sexual violence in our communities,” said Brent Gilkey, vice president of member services and communications at Pennyrile Electric.

These teal lights can be displayed outside homes or businesses to show solidarity for sexual assault survivors and raise awareness. Teal has become the signature color for sexual assault awareness and symbolizes trust, devotion and healing.

“We are honored to join forces with Sanctuary for this important initiative. By distributing teal lightbulbs throughout our community, we hope to spark conversations, inspire action, and ultimately create a culture of empathy and understanding around the issue of sexual assault,” said Jeff Hurd, general manager at HES/Energynet. “Together, we can bring light to the darkness of this pervasive problem and drive meaningful change.”

All month long the free light bulbs will be distributed to PRECC customers while supplies last. HES customers can receive a free lightbulb at its drive-thru window on East Ninth Street in Hopkinsville.

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More April initiatives

“April serves as a great reminder that together, we can accomplish so much,” said Heather Lancaster, executive director at Sanctuary, Inc. “Our heartfelt thank-you goes to featured community partners for the use of their resources and communication platforms to strengthen the messaging that healing is possible, and we stand with survivors.”

The week of April 8 is Wear Teal Week where people can show support and share their photos to Sanctuary’s social media. On April 9, they will be signing a proclamation with Hopkinsville City Council Proclaiming the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness
and Prevention Month.

Chalk the Walk Week kicks off April 15 where they encourage the community to write supportive messages outside of their businesses and homes in support of sexual assault survivors.  On April 18, Sanctuary is hosting Tea and Talk support group at Milkweed Health and Harmony Emporium. An RSVP is required for this event which can be made by calling 270-719-0951.

Sanctuary will wrap up April with Denim Day. This year is the 25th anniversary of this initiative where people wear denim in solidarity on April 24. People can also decorate denim that will be on display at the Hopkinsville Community College art gallery at the end of the month.

For more information on Sanctuary or its Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month events, contact Zirconia Vansauwa at zirconia@thesanctuaryinc.com.

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