April is sexual assault and child abuse awareness month, and the Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center will host events throughout the month to raise awareness of the two issues. Melissa Rodriguez, director of community partnerships with HCWC, said many organizations, artists and individuals in Hays County also will hold events throughout the month to benefit the women’s center. “The more awareness we increase the better for us obviously to help get the word out about not only the issue but that we’re here to help and [victims] can seek services throughout our organization,” Rodriguez said. According to HCWC statistics, the center served 410 victims of child abuse and 512 survivors of sexual assault in 2016. One of the women’s center’s biggest efforts this month is simply educating people about the signs of child abuse. One of the biggest misconceptions about child abuse is that it is rarely perpetrated by strangers. “Almost always it is someone they know and have a relationship with,” Rodriguez said. “It could be a parent, a step-parent, a grandparent, a coach, a teacher, a church member, a family friend, a neighbor. Those are the common perpetrators for our kids.”

Sexual assault and child abuse awareness month events benefiting HCWC

April 7 Wear Blue Day: A 20th Year Celebration of Roxanne’s House April 8, 1 p.m. Caldwell Co. Shower of Giving, Connection 315 W. Praire Lea, Lockhart April 8, 5:30-10:30 p.m. Live & Local featuring live music from Mamalarkey, the Real Hands and more Tantra Coffeehouse, 217 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos April 11, 8 p.m. Quiz For a Cause Taproom Pub & Grub, 129 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos April 15, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. FemFest Music Fest featuring live music from Flora+Fauna, Kairos and more Kiva Lounge & Bar, 202 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos Stonewall Warehouse, 141 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos April 21 6-8 p.m. An Untold Story Fashion Show Ella Lofts, 817 Chestnut St., San Marcos April 24, 6-8 p.m. TxState Take Back the Night Poetry Slam Texas State University, 601 University Drive, San Marcos April 26, 7 p.m. Denim Day Candlelight Vigil Hays County Courthouse, 111 E. San Antonio St., San Marcos April 28-29 MR Fest featuring live music from Otis the Destroyer, High Waisted and more Downtown San Marcos