Sanctuary Inc. is inviting the public to take part in a series of April events for Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month while also sharing progress on the future shelter location designed to better serve survivors in western Kentucky.
Observed nationwide each April, Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month focuses on education, prevention and support for survivors of sexual violence.
Heather Lancaster, executive director of Sanctuary Inc., said both the awareness campaign and the organization’s long-term plans are rooted in the experiences of those they serve.
Sanctuary serves more than 100 survivors each year, along with their children, across a nine-county region. Lancaster said the impact of that work extends beyond data points.
Throughout April, Sanctuary will host a variety of community events aimed at raising awareness and encouraging involvement.
The month begins with Wear Teal Day on April 1, part of a national campaign encouraging people to wear teal — the color symbolizing sexual violence prevention — to show support for survivors.
Other activities include the “What Were You Wearing” exhibit at Hopkinsville Community College and Madisonville Community College, which challenges misconceptions about sexual assault through displays of clothing; screenings of the documentary “To Kill a Tiger,” which explores a family’s pursuit of justice; Chalk the Walk; Denim Day; and the Thin Blue Run fundraiser in partnership with local law enforcement.
The month will conclude with a visit from survivor and advocate Elizabeth Smart. Lancaster said tickets were claimed quickly, showing strong community interest.
“It doesn’t mean we won’t open these back up, but I think it’s pretty telling that the community wanted to hear her,” she said.
Alongside the awareness efforts, Sanctuary leaders are also moving forward with plans to relocate their emergency shelter to a new site aimed at improving safety, privacy and healing environments for clients.
Lancaster said the current facility presents challenges, including visibility from surrounding streets and limited outdoor space, which can impact both safety and recovery.
For security reasons, the exact location of the new shelter is not being publicly disclosed.
“We can say we own land. We know where we’re relocating,” Lancaster said.
Plans for the new facility include apartment-style living spaces for families, designated child-focused areas, increased green space and enhanced security features such as controlled access and private parking.
A sexual assault forensic exam room will also be included in the new building, expanding services available to survivors.
Construction is expected to begin as early as next year, with the total project estimated between $4 million and $5 million.
Lancaster stated that while facilities and services are important, community support remains an integral part of helping survivors heal.
For more information about April events or available services, individuals can contact Sanctuary Inc.
