Everesting Challenge: Why is surviving sexual assault like climbing a mountain?

April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and to support survivors and bring awareness to the violence in our own community, three bikers will attempt the Everesting Challenge – climbing the height of Mt. Everest by riding the tallest hill in Ann Arbor 300 times in one day.

In a lifetime, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual violence, and yet just 23% report the violence to the police. Surviving sexual violence is like climbing a mountain. It takes strength and courage, and yes, there will be setbacks and obstacles. However, with support survivors can find the hope they need to find their footing again.

SafeHouse Center Executive Director, Barbara Niess-May. Photo Courtesy of Safehouse.

SafeHouse Center Executive Director, Barbara Niess-May, and board members John Huber and William Holmes will attempt this challenge on Saturday, April 10, 2021. The event is being sponsored by Jiffy Mixes. You can support the three bikers and, most of all, survivors in our community by making a pledge at www.safehousecenter.org/everesting.

Safehouse Board Member John Huber. Photo Courtesy of Safehouse.

Sexual assault survivors struggle with a wide range of emotions that make coming forward difficult: fear of revictimization, retaliation, distortion of allegations, inadequate access to health care, and generally not being believed are the most common reasons. Join us to bring awareness about these struggles and help change the systems and attitudes that allow violence to continue.

More information about the challenge and how you can help can be found at: www.safehousecenter.org/everesting

Note: The rain dates for this event is on, Sunday, April 11th, or if need be in May (TBD).