BRAINERD, Minn.– April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and while it can be a difficult subject to talk about at times, experts say it’s especially important to talk about it this month and help local groups in their efforts to maximize support in central Minnesota.

Sexual Assault Services in Brainerd (SAS) covers all of Crow Wing and part of Cass County as well as assisting in neighboring counties. For the month of April, SAS is teaming up with multiple businesses across the area to help raise money for their organization.

There are three fundraisers coming up for SAS in the month of April. Dates are listed below.

April 2: Action Day – Ernie’s on Gull, Main Street Ale House in Nisswa, and Dough Bros Woodfire Kitchen in Baxter will be donating 25 percent of sales. Shep’s on 6th will be donating 10 percent of sales to SAS.

April 24: Denim Day – Dunmire’s Bar & Grill Dunmire’s on the Lakes will be donating 25 percent of sales to SAS in Brainerd.

April 25: SAS Office Open House: Open to everyone and family friendly. Meet their team and learn about their positive impact on the local community. Light refreshments will be served.

“We are a small town community and it’s hard to believe that sexual assault happens so often, but it does and our services numbers increase every year! SAS helps all victims/survivors wherever they are in their journey, regardless of people’s age, gender, race, culture, religions, etc. or how long it’s been since the assault happened. Our services are free, confidential, and available 24/7,” said Breonna, an advocate with SAS in Brainerd.

“We have a team of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) nurses as well as advocates who will respond to St. Joseph’s Medical Center Hospital in Brainerd and Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Hospital in Crosby,” said Breonna. “We can be present during law enforcement interviews, assist with legal issues like filing for restraining orders or monitoring court cases involving the assault. We also provide support groups, and one on one support, and more. If there are additional needs beyond our services we try to find additional resources and refer out to other programs.”

For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Month or about SAS Brainerd, check out their Facebook page.