This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

HUGS Foxboro Supports Sexual Assault Awareness Month

The children and teens of today are our hope for tomorrow. It's important for us as parents, caring adults and communities to help set young people on the path for a healthy future and support them as they work to create positive change. 
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year's campaign is focused on youth. This April, It's time...to talk about it! Your voice. Our future. Prevent Sexual Violence, and HUGS Foxboro is encouraging individuals and communities to support healthy sexual development. 
Young people face many challenges during adolescence. Stereotypes and negative messages in the media don't make this process easy. By learning and talking about healthy adolescent sexuality, adults are able to support the teens in their lives. It's time for adults and communities to be a resource to teens so they learn and grow.
How can we support teens during this time of change and discovery? Young people need age-appropriate information about healthy sexuality and relationships from trusted adults. The first step is to start an open and honest dialogue. Ask questions and, most importantly, listen. We can all play a role in modeling healthy behaviors, promoting positive skills, and creating safe environments. HUGS Foxboro believes it's important to empower the voices of youth and challenge negative, unhealthy messages.
It's OK if you don't have all the answers. It's more important to welcome questions and learn together. To create a vision for a future without sexual violence, every voice can play a role in a healthier, safer tomorrow for us all.
You can use your voice to start the conversation. You can support the voices of young people, and together we can amplify our voices for a healthy future.
It's time...to talk about it! 
HUGS Foxboro provides violence awareness and prevention through education and provides resources to victims and families affected by violence. It is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to making our community stronger. For more information contact: hugsfoxboro@gmail.com or 508-698-8784.Respectfully Submitted,
HUGS Foxboro Board Members:
Police Chief Edward T. O'Leary
Ruth Karacek
Vicki Lowe
Cindy L. Peterson
Maura Schaeffer Jobin, chair

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?