April 19, 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.
1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men has been sexually assaulted…so why is it still so hard to talk about?
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 2 of this powerful interview, Dawn explains what victim blaming is, and how good people with good intentions can make a victim feel powerless. Dawn talks about the annual event she brought to Milwaukee, Denim Day, and shares her experience of meeting with other survivors of sexual assault…and how their lives are not at all what you’d think.
Be sure to listen to Episode 1 to hear the rest of our interview with Dawn Helmrich.
Dawn’s daughter, Britny Helmrich, is a vocal advocate for sexual assault awareness. Read more about Britny’s good work here.
Have you or someone you know experienced sexual assault? The Healing Center offers free & holistic sexual abuse and assault services to survivors and their families.
Visit the Rape Abuse Incest National Network Website to read statistics and stories about sexual assault.
Visit the Denim Day Milwaukee’s website and Facebook page