ENGLEWOOD -- The FBI estimates that one in three women, one in four girls, one in six boys and one in 11 men will be the victims of sexual assault at least once in their lives.

At 6 p.m. Thursday at the Englewood Beach Pavilion 1, Charlotte County CARE will join 25 other rape prevention agencies throughout the state for Sexual Assault Awareness Day.

"We're having a celebration of survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence," said Mary Baer, sexual assault response and education director of CARE, which is the Center for Abuse and Rape Emergency in Charlotte County. "We're focusing on the problem of sexual violence and raising awareness."

There will be entertainment by the band High Gear, free hot dogs, chips and soda.

Event mementos and resource information also will be given out to commemorate the event.

Baer said speeches will be given by victims of sexual assault.

"If there are any people who might want to talk, it's empowering," she said. "Just a couple of minutes, talking about their experience and their healing."

Survivors who would consider speaking at Thursday's event are encouraged to call (941) 639-5499 for more information. Ask for Mary.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 6 is Sexual Assault Awareness Day across the country, Baer said.

CARE is also joining the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence and the Florida Department of Health Sexual Violence Prevention Program for this Sexual Assault Awareness Month program. The event is co-sponsored by the Port Charlotte Chapter of the Chrome Divas.

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