PARIS – In observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, the Rape Education and Crisis Hotline (REACH) will hold three Speak Out events in Oxford County.

For 25 years REACH has offered survivors of sexual abuse and sexual assault a safe place to share parts of their journey of healing through poetry, prose, music and arts.

Speak Out will take place at 2 p.m., with refreshments following each event, as follows:

Sunday, April 13, First Universalist Church of Norway, 479 Main St.

Sunday, April 20, Bridgton Community Center, 15 Depot St.

Sunday, April 27, Mexico UCC (Green Church), 163 Main St.

All are welcome to attend – family members, friends, professionals and community members. The event is not appropriate for children under 16.

REACH offers crisis intervention and support services to victims, survivors and concerned others, ranging from one-to-one support to support groups. Services are free and confidential.

Trained REACH educators offer age-appropriate safety programs for preschool through college-age students and provide community education. Staff and volunteer advocates can accompany sexual assault victims to the hospital and provide support to a victim and family through the court process.

REACH staff and advocates also staff a 24-hour sexual assault support line (1-800-871-7741) that is available to individuals who may have been recently assaulted or some time in the past; and REACH has a lending library onsite.

Contact REACH if interested in participating in a Speak Out, 743-9777, [email protected], www.reachmaine.org.