A Cup of Prevention: Partnering with Victim Services Center for Sexual Assault Awareness Month

May 2026 Update: 

We just wrapped up our A Cup of Prevention campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and I wanted to share a quick thank you. Because of you, we were able to donate $800 to Victim's Services Center of Montgomery County to support prevention efforts and stand alongside survivors.

Victim Services Center (VSC) is a nonprofit organization that provides free, confidential support to children, adults, and families impacted by crime and abuse including sexual assault, homicide, violent crime, and other traumatic experiences. They offer services whether or not someone reports to police or goes through the legal system.

At Backyard Beans, we are proud to play a part in caring for our community and showing up for one another in meaningful ways. “A Cup of Prevention” is an opportunity to raise awareness, spark important conversations, and stand in solidarity with survivors during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. By partnering with Victim Services Center, we’re helping bring visibility to the critical work of prevention, education, and support for those impacted by violence. We hope this campaign opens doors toward building a safer, more compassionate community where survivors are heard, believed, and supported.

Q & A with Erin Milbourne, Direct Services Supervisor

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month — what does this month mean to your organization and the community?

April is a time for our organization and the community to come together to raise awareness, educate others, and stand in support of survivors. For us, it means working to prevent sexual violence by educating our community about consent, respect, and healthy relationships. It also means making sure survivors know they are not alone and that our free, confidential services and support are available to them.

This month is also about showing survivors that the entire community stands with them. By speaking openly, sharing resources, and participating in awareness activities, we hope to create a culture where survivors feel believed, supported, and empowered to seek help.

What is one misconception about sexual assault you wish more people understood?

There are many misconceptions about sexual assault, but one I wish more people understood is that sexual assault occurs every 68 seconds and can impact anyone. This means it impacts all of us, not just the survivors, as families, friends, and communities are affected as well.

How can community members and small businesses help?

Community members and small businesses play an important role in supporting survivors and helping prevent sexual violence. They can help by learning about the issue, sharing information and resources, and participating in awareness efforts during Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Small businesses can show their support by displaying teal ribbons or awareness materials, sharing information about local resources, hosting awareness events, or participating in fundraising or round-up campaigns to support survivor services.

What services does Victim Services Center provide to survivors and families?

Victim Services Center of Montgomery County provides free, confidential support to survivors of sexual assault and other crimes and their families. We offer advocacy to help survivors understand their rights, navigate the legal system, and access resources like Victim’s Compensation and court support. Our counseling services provide short-term, trauma-focused therapy for children, adults, and families. We also provide hospital and 24-hour hotline support, community education and prevention programs, and connect survivors to local agencies and resources. All services are available to survivors of all ages and their families.

If someone reaches out for help for the first time, what can they expect?

If someone reaches out to VSC for the first time, they can expect to be believed, supported, and treated with respect. Our team will listen without judgment, answer any questions, and connect them to the free services and resources they are entitled to, including advocacy and counseling. We make sure every survivor and their family knows they are not alone and that help is available every step of the way.

What gives you hope in this work?

What gives me hope in this work is knowing that healing is possible and prevention is possible. Survivors can recover with the right support, and through education, community awareness, and prevention efforts, we can work toward reducing sexual violence and creating safer communities for everyone.