MOUNT VERNON — Sexual Assault Awareness Month offers a chance to highlight achievements and future plans.
New Directions, Knox County’s domestic violence shelter, kicked off April’s awareness campaign on Wednesday with an open house and Teal Walk.
“The Teal Walk is a time for us to stand in solidarity with our survivors,” Executive Director Lindsey Lamp said.
Lamp said the 2025 theme, “Together We Can,” is more than words.
“They’re a call to action, a commitment to building a future where no one has to endure trauma of sexual violence alone,” she said.
“Every survivor has a story, and every story deserves to be heard, believed, and met with compassion.”
“We have the power to inspire hope and transform our community into one where everyone can heal and everyone can thrive.”
Lauren Lochotzki, director of survivor services at New Directions
Lamp said New Directions inspires healing by creating safe spaces, offering trauma-informed care, and being compassionate.
“Healing is not a journey that should be walked alone. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure survivors have the resources, support, and dignity they need to reclaim their lives,” she said.
Lamp believes prevention is possible, but it requires everyone to take an active role in reshaping the community’s response to violence.
The Teal Walk offers an opportunity to discuss what the community can do.
“We hope that each step we take together in our walk is a step toward safety,” Lamp said. “Our hope as we walk and we continue to navigate through April and into the rest of 2025 is that together we will build a community that stands against sexual violence, supports survivors, and invests in the prevention for our community.”
Empowering survivors: Voices of strength and resilience
Teal is one of the colors associated with domestic violence campaigns. It signifies healing, renewal, and breaking the abuse cycle.
“Today we gather not only to raise awareness but to center the voices of survivors, embrace growth, and inspire healing within our community,” said Lauren Lochotzki, director of survivor services at New Directions.
“Sexual violence has far-reaching effects, but today we focus on the strength, resilience, and courage of those who have been impacted.”
Lochotzki said Sexual Assault Awareness Month acknowledges survivors’ experiences, honors their journeys, and reminds them they are not alone.
“Together we are creating a space where healing is possible, growth is encouraged, and change is within our reach,” she said.
Community call to action
Mayor Matt Starr said it is not just about recognizing the problem.
“It’s about taking a stand for change and showing that we are committed to making our community safer, more compassionate and supportive for everyone,” he said.
“The team at New Directions is dedicated to empowering individuals, offering resources, and fostering an environment where survivors feel heard, respected, and believed.”
Starr said three traits come to mind regarding New Directions’ work:
•Hope is a belief that change is possible, healing is within reach, and every step toward a safer world is what matters.
•Strength is found in every survivor, every person who speaks out, and every ally who stands with them.
•Courage enables us to confront uncomfortable truths, challenge harmful behaviors, and support those who have experienced trauma.
“It takes immense strength to seek help, support others, and be part of the solution. You are all part of a powerful force for change,” Starr said.
As April unfolds, Starr called on the community to remember it is not just about raising awareness.
“We’re building a foundation of hope, strength, and courage that will sustain us in our collective mission to end sexual assault,” he said.
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