Seishin Martial Arts joins the Sexual Assault Support Service (SASS) to raise awareness of sexual assault in Tasmania and support survivors.
Businesses around the state are doing their part to prevent sexual assault in Tasmania and show support for survivors, by participating in Wear Teal Tuesday today, an initiative of SASS during Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).
“Our vision at SASS is to achieve a community free of sexual trauma,” says Sexual Assault Support Service CEO Jill Maxwell.
“With almost 3,000 Tasmanians at more than 50 organisations participating in Wear Teal Tuesday this year, we’re heartened by the growing enthusiasm we see for this cause.”
“Having respectful, open discussions about sexual assault is an important step in stamping out the problem. From libraries to law firms to corporates to cafes to sporting organisations to schools, Tasmanians are coming together to share the message #OnlyYesMeansYes.”
For most organisations, taking part in Wear Teal Tuesday involves wearing a teal ribbon, holding a morning tea, collecting gold coin donations from participants and buying tickets for the fundraising raffle. However, creative interpretations are encouraged.
Tonight, local Hobart business Seishin Martial Arts will hold a women and girls Judo night in honour of Wear Teal Tuesday. All class fees will go towards supporting the work of SASS, which includes consent education in Tasmanian schools and services for survivors of sexual assault.
For owner and Managing Director of Seishin, Carla Willing, participating in Wear Teal Tuesday is a great fit and an opportunity help raise awareness of an important issue.
“As a club, we are passionate about not only awareness of sexual assault as an issue, but action to change the behaviour of perpetrators, to take the onus for action away from the survivors.”
“We are fierce advocates and allies for equality, and are the largest disability supported judo club in Australia. The intersection between disability and sexual assault in this country needs to be a priority on the human rights agenda, with 90% of women with intellectual disability having experienced sexual abuse.”
“As a club, it is our responsibility to help drive change for our players and the community.”
Tasmanians who want to get involved in Sexual Assault Awareness Month are encouraged to visit the SASS website at www.sass.org.au to access fact sheets about consent and supporting survivors of sexual assault, see more photos of today’s events and purchase online tickets for a SAAM raffle supported by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys, RACT, Aloft Restaurant, Frida’s Sip N Paint and other generous Tasmanian businesses.
Members of the media are invited to a photo opportunity today (Tuesday 26 April) with Seishin Martial Arts, including judo players. Details below:
Date: Tuesday 26 April
Time: 10.30am – 11.00am
Location: Seishin Martial Arts, 8a Constance Avenue, Glenorchy
Attending: Jill Maxwell, CEO of Sexual Assault Support Service
Carla Willing, Owner and Managing Director of Seishin Martial Arts
Judo players providing a preview of the evening women and girls fundraising class
Contact: Jo Bailey, 0418 321251
For further information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month, contact:
Jill Maxwell, @email CEO
Jo Bailey, @email Manager – Marketing & Communications
Ends.
Released for Sexual Assault Support Service by Jo Bailey, Manager - Marketing & Communications