LAS VEGAS – Signs of HOPE (Healing, Options, Prevention and Education), a nonprofit that has served the Las Vegas community for more than 50 years by offering help, hope and healing to those affected by sexual violence and exploitation, is expanding its “Party Smart” violence prevention campaign to include stickers with important messaging and crisis hotline information offered to pool venues, dayclubs, nightclubs and bars offered free of charge to businesses that choose to participate.
The stickers, intended to be displayed in the privacy of restrooms, include the key messaging of the Party Smart campaign that encourages everyone to Arrive Together, Stick Together and Leave Together when going out. They also display both of Signs of HOPE’s 24/7 crisis hotline numbers: Sexual Assault Hotline: 702-366-1640; Human Trafficking Hotline: 702-936-4004.
According to Kim Small, CEO of Signs of HOPE, the timing of the sticker program launch in April is significant. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a national initiative to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and educate communities about how to prevent it, and the Las Vegas pool season is getting into full swing with thousands of visitors and locals enjoying dayclubs, pool venues, bars, nightclubs, etc.
“Signs of HOPE asks everyone to take the Party Smart pledge to Arrive Together, Stick Together and Leave Together before heading out for the pool, the club or really any party venue. We know these simple steps help prevent sexual violence situations from occurring, as isolating someone from their group is a common tactic used by predators,” said Small. “We also recognize that if someone feels unsafe or witnesses predatory behavior while out in a party situation, it’s important to provide on-site resource information placed in a discreet location that likely won’t be detected by the potential predator.”
Signs of HOPE hotlines are staffed 24/7 by advocates who are trained to help in crisis situations and also to answer questions, provide information and start safety planning if needed.
“We are offering these stickers free of charge to any hospitality venue in Southern Nevada, and we encourage these businesses to partner with us in our Party Smart campaign to help spread awareness and help prevent sexual violence situations from occurring,” added Small.
TAO Group Hospitality, which owns 16 venues including dayclubs, nightclubs, bars, cocktail lounges and restaurants on the Las Vegas Strip, and Palms Casino Resort were among the first to adopt and implement the sticker program.
For others who are interested in participating in the Party Smart sticker program, please reach out to Signs of HOPE at 702-366-1640.
The need for the Party Smart Campaign is based on some key statistics:
- Women 18 to 35 experience the highest rates of sexual violence.
- Around 20% of victims Signs of HOPE serves at UMC Hospital are assaulted at a party situation or alcohol-serving establishment OR came in contact with their perpetrator in such a setting.
- More than 80% of assaults involve alcohol, and predators use it as a weapon to increase their control in situations.
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About Signs of HOPE
Signs of HOPE – Healing, Options, Prevention and Education – is a nonprofit organization dedicated to offering hope, help and healing to those affected by sexual violence and exploitation. The organization was founded in 1974 by Florence McClure and Sandra Petta as the Community Action Against Rape (CAAR) and operated as The Rape Crisis Center from 2004-2021. Today, Signs of HOPE operates two 24/7 crisis hotlines and provides hospital response for sexual assault victims. In addition, the organization provides counseling, advocacy and support to help victims throughout the healing process, for as long as it takes. Through its Resources and Integration for Survivor Empowerment or RISE program, the organization provides crisis response and long-term case management services to victims of all forms of human trafficking. Signs of HOPE is committed to raising awareness of sexual assault and exploitation by engaging in prevention efforts, educational programs and community outreach, particularly to youth. The Signs of HOPE 24/7 sexual assault hotline number is 702-366-1640.The RISE human trafficking 24/7 hotline is 702-936-4004. For more information, visit sohlv.org.
