April 11, 2017
Produced by Katie Kuhn and Rebecca Schimke, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
Trigger Warning: This blog post and podcast contain recollections of and information about sexual assault.
At the age of 21, Dawn Helmrich experienced a brutal sexual assault. This life-altering event had many negative outcomes for Dawn, including rampant victim blaming and lack of support during a traumatic experience on the witness stand. As a result of these experiences, Dawn has become one of Milwaukee’s most vocal advocates for victims of Sexual Assault through her leadership of the annual Denim Day. Each April, Denim Day brings awareness to sexual violence and helps end victim blaming.
In Episode 1 of this powerful interview, Dawn talks about why it is so hard to tell her story and how she eventually told her children. Dawn also discusses how the legal system can change to be more supportive of sexual assault victims. Finally, we learn what any listener can do to start impacting the issue of sexual assault (hint…you don’t have to get up from your computer).
Tune in next week for Episode 2 of our interview with Dawn Helmrich.
Have you or someone you know experienced sexual assault? The Healing Center offers free and holistic sexual abuse and assault services to survivors and their families.
Feeling inspired? Write a note of encouragement to those who work hard every day to support survivors of sexual assault.
Visit the Rape Abuse Incest National Network website to read statistics and stories about sexual assault.
Don’t forget to wear jeans to show your support for survivors of sexual assault on Denim Day, April 26, 2017! Visit the Denim Day Milwaukee’s Facebook page for more info.
Dawn Helmrich is the former chair of the Commission on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault through the Milwaukee Health Department. Click on the link above to check out their great work.