# DLA Disposition Services spreads awareness through Healing Rocks event

/ Published April 14, 2022
BATTLE CREEK, Mich., 
According to the 2019 Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Survey, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds.

                Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employee painting a rock during the Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, Healing Rocks event.                            DLA Disposition Services Healing Rocks Event                            Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employee painting a rock during the Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, Healing Rocks event.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Kelly BurellVIRIN: 220413-D-FL696-403Every April, the nation observes Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month to spread public awareness.

Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office teamed up with the Battle Creek Morale, Welfare and Recreation Family Advocacy Program to host a “Healing Rocks” event at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek, Michigan, April 6.

“The Healing Rocks event increases sexual assault prevention awareness and provides a creative outlet for employees to share a visible message of support from survivors,” said DLA Disposition Services Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Robin Rogers.                Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employee painting a rock during the Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, Healing Rocks event.                            DLA Disposition Services Healing Rocks Event                            Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employee painting a rock during the Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month, Healing Rocks event.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Kelly BurellVIRIN: 220413-D-FL696-402

Rock painting is an established therapeutic tool used to assist in treatment of a variety of metal health issues.

Over 40 employees participated, and painted rocks will be displayed in the rock garden in an HDIFC parking lot.

“An event like Healing Rocks brings our community together, can bring peace and reflection which can be cathartic through painting of rocks,” said Battle Creek MWR Family Program Manager Lisa Grenon.

A table filled with Informational items, like handouts, magnets and pins, was displayed at the entrance so participants could take important reminders about child abuse prevention and sexual assault awareness back to their workspace.

“Sexual assault is a crime, and it can happen to anyone at any time,” said Rogers.  “DLA SAPR Program wants to ensure that responsive care is available 24/7, wherever and whenever someone reaches out. The support that a victim receives from friends, family, and the community can dramatically affect their healing and recovery.”

Grenon expressed concern for an increased risk for child abuse, especially children who are spending more time at home due to pandemic restrictions.

“In Michigan, a child is a victim of abuse or neglect every five minutes,” she said. “Over two-thirds of these victims are young children, age six and under. This is more important this year with the economic downturn, as families are much more vulnerable, and the incident of abuse increases across all segments of society.”

Every April, ensuring employees and the community understand the signs and resources for those who have been affected by sexual assault or child abuse is the number one priority DLA Disposition Services and Battle Creek MWR.

Other awareness events scheduled for the month of April include Denim Day, Teal Tuesdays, and the Teal Ribbon Relay.

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Additional resources include:

      - DLA Sexual Assault Prevention Response Hotline:  1- 800-841-0937
      - Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Children’s Protective Services: 855-444-3911 Phone number is monitored 24/7.
      - Battle Creek Children’s Advocacy Center: 269-245-3835
      - For additional resources or referrals, contact the Battle Creek MWR Family Program Manager at 269-961-4051.