For the eighth consecutive year, San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR) will host the annual Walk Against Rape in San Francisco’s Mission District on April 27 as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
“I have seen that every time, more people come. I think that it is accomplishing the purpose of reaching more homes, more families, more people,” said Maria Hernández from Mujeres Unidas y Activas, an organization of immigrant women working to build community power for social and economic justice.
The event—consisting of a 3.5-mile walk and an ensuing festival—is led by SFWAR, an organization that is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing rape crisis services. The resources offered by the organization are free, confidential and vary from a 24-hour hotline, to preventive workshops in schools and universities.
The walk will begin at The Women’s Building at 3543 18th St. at 10 a.m., and finish at La Raza/Potrero del Sol Park, where participants will be met by music, dance and food.
“Many people from across the City, across the Bay come, and just participating is a way of showing support, un granito de arena,” said Alma Muñoz, development director of SFWAR, referring to the walk. “We hope to raise $60,000.”
This will be achieved with the support of individuals who register for the event and help raise funds with their communities.
“Several organizations get together to go to the walk,” said Hernández. “The event aims to raise awareness that sexual assault should not remain silent.”
Another goal of this festival is to inform the community about the resources of the organization available to help survivors of rape and their families. “With the walk we aim to send a clear message to the rest of the community regarding sexual assault and that it’s time to change that,” said Muñoz.
The festival will include performances by Rupa & The April Fishes and Loco Bloco, and will provide a safe space for survivors of sexual violence to heal and celebrate their survival.
“I’m nervous, but it will be great,” said Luna Gómez, a young woman who is a volunteer at SFWAR. “We’re training to be rape crisis counselors … we will be certified the day of the walk.”