Letters to the Editor: Please learn the signs, resources for sexual assault

The Petoskey News-Review
·3 min read

Please learn the signs, resources for sexual assault

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to focus on the ongoing problem of sexual assault, abuse, and harassment and to work together to create communities where this violence is not tolerated.

According to statistics, an alarming number of people in the US experience sexual violence at some point in their lives. As a result, many we come into contact with on a daily basis — friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members — are likely survivors.

Research shows that connected communities play a crucial role in lowering the risk of sexual violence. Together, we can help end it by creating strong community connections and establishing a network of support, empathy, and understanding. Below are actionable steps to help cultivate connected communities and contribute to sexual violence prevention:

  • Increase Awareness: Start conversations about the prevalence of sexual assault and the importance of consent, respectful relationships, and bystander intervention.

  • Support Local Resources: Engage with organizations providing support services to survivors of sexual assault, ensuring accessible help for those in need.

  • Community Events: Participate in inclusive events that bring community members together, fostering a sense of value and connection for everyone.

  • Safe Spaces: Encourage businesses, healthcare practitioners, law enforcement, and community organizations to prioritize creating safe spaces, recognizing signs of abuse, and responding effectively.

  • Reporting Mechanisms: Advocate for clear reporting mechanisms in workplaces, schools, and colleges, fostering a culture that supports survivors and ensures they can report confidentiality.

  • Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies and initiatives that support survivors and address sexual assault prevention.

Together we make a meaningful impact and create a safer, more connected community for everyone.

Suzann Barger

Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan

Megan King

Violence Prevention Coordinator, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan

Young voters are asking the right questions

I’m writing to thank young people across the country who are asking questions about Israel — questions which would have been considered almost illegal a year ago. Thank you, too, to the almost 10,000 people in Northern Michigan's 1st District who voted “uncommitted” in February’s primary. Whether Democrat or Republican, it seems many are looking for leaders who govern with a sense of basic humanity and fairness.

In terms of what is humane and fair, our sensibilities have evolved. After all, in 1948 when Israel was founded, most of the U.S. still believed it was fine for different races to have separate drinking fountains and women to earn less than men for the same job.

Today we believe ethnicity and religion should have no bearing on the ability to retain ownership of property, earn a living, be self-reliant, or live in peace. Yet we often let insecurity, powerful lobbies, political gain, and greed cloud these values, and sadly this shows up in glaring fashion in our support of Israel's practices. Something must change.

Thankfully, our youth — and a growing number of voters in Northern Michigan — are willing to remind us how simple doing right can be. We should listen.

Ann Chatterson

Petoskey

Thank you to our skiers

The 2023-24 ski season came to an end at Nub’s Nob on Easter Sunday.

This was a historically warm winter, as our region was affected by a Super El Niño weather pattern. Only 24 days remained entirely below freezing this season, and there was not a single day in December that did not see temperatures above freezing.

Despite these challenges, I am proud to report that our Snow Crew kept the ski area open for 114 days. There were plenty of beautiful ski days, including a week in January where we received four feet of natural snow. Nub’s Nob is special place, and we are grateful to all of those who spent time on our slopes this winter.

Ben Doornbos

General Manager

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Letters to the Editor: Please learn the signs, resources for sexual assault