The Haven to host prevention workshop

The Haven will host a “Primer in Primary Sexual Violence Prevention” workshop during its next Lunch and Learn event from noon to 1 p.m. ,Aug. 30 in the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church in Houma.

“The more people we have at the events, the more of a voice we will have for victims of sexual violence,” said Melissa Williams, training coordinator at The Haven. “The most important thing people can take from the workshop is learning that some actions are sexual violence. Some people don’t realize that certain things are sexual violence.

“Comments and catcalls are part of sexual violence, and they need to understand that it is harmful and hurtful. We need to change attitudes and beliefs. If you see it happening, do something about it. Don’t just be a bystander. Stop it before it leads to injury or rape.”

This is not the first time The Haven has hosted a sexual violence prevention workshop, but the upcoming event will be different from previous sexual violence prevention seminars.

“We will present the popular information from previous workshops, but we will also focus more on how to prevent these things from happening in our community,” Williams said. “We are also looking to get men involved in the workshops.”

Williams will conduct the presentation and review the basics of sexual violence prevention to raise awareness and help survivors of sexual assault.

“We usually get five to 10 participants who are concerned individuals,” she said. “We work with a very intimate group of people, and the feedback and interaction is wonderful. We are always looking for more participants.”

The event is free and open to the public. Those interested can call The Haven at (985) 872-0757 to RSVP.