The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center is holding its 11th annual Show Up for Survivors event, and it will honor community members, businesses and organizations with awards for their support of survivors of sexual violence.
The Care Center provides therapy and crisis services at no cost to survivors of all ages and genders, in addition to its advocacy, prevention and education work. It serves Douglas, Jefferson and Franklin counties.
“This red carpet jubilee will mark our opportunity to honor the incredible people in our community who are doing incredible work in service to survivors of sexual violence, moving our community toward an inclusive model of leadership and creating a culture of consent for all,” according to information from the ticket page.
The fundraiser event will include a light dinner, sweet treats and entertainment in addition to the awards ceremony.
The first annual Ad Astra Per Aspera Awards and nominees include:
• Best Community Partner – Business: McFarlane Aviation, Raven Book Store, Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Natural Grocers
• Best Community Partner – Nonprofit: Children’s Advocacy Center, Willow Domestic Violence Center, Lawrence Chapter NAACP, Lawrence Public Library
• Best Community Partner – Education: Haskell Indian Nations University, USD 497, Ballard Center, Van Go
• Community CARE Champion: Kyle Velte, Amber Sellers, Taylor Jones, Jasmine Bates
• SafeBar Champion: Casbah Burger Stand, John Brown Underground, Gaslight, Merchants
• Best New Community Partner: Lawrence Chamber, Lawrence Humane Society, Rotary, Ecumenical Campus Ministries
• Best Rural Community Partner: Perry Pride, Elizabeth Layton Center, Baker University, Ottawa University
• Best Community Partner Serving Underserved Communities: Lawrence PRIDE, Just Food, Lawrence Community Shelter, Indigenous Community Center
Entertainment will include musical guest Bad Alaskan, drag performer KYKY MoDean and aerial gymnast Sihka Ann Destroy, according to a news release from the Care Center.
The event is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St.
Tickets are available at bit.ly/ShowUpForSurvivors. Prices start at $20 for balcony seats, intended for people whose annual incomes are less than $50,000, and range up to $900 for a table for eight.
“The STA CARE Center envisions a community free of sexual trauma and abuse while supporting healing for survivors. All 2023 Show Up for Survivors proceeds go to support survivor-centered services for anyone who has experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives,” according to the release. “… We believe survivors, and we are here to support them.”
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Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Services: KU students can make an appointment online at careservices.ku.edu, by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found under the “Medical Care” tab.
- Connect with KU CARE Companions on Instagram. (Note: CARE Companions are KU students in the Panhellenic community that offer peer support and info about resources, but this is not an advocacy service like others listed here.)
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
