September 21, 2004 - As part of PAAR’s commitment to young women, the agency has distributed 10,000 complimentary Plan B purses, a trendy faux fur change purse. Each contains an AT&T phone card, PAAR’s hotline number and a card with practical safety information, including a woman’s rights in protecting herself.
Essentially a back-up plan, Plan B Purses serve to remind women that they should put their safety first. PAAR sexual assault prevention safety experts suggest placing $20 in the purse for emergencies, such as cab fare. Cab and bus service numbers are included.
“Statistically, we know that young women between the ages of 15-24 are at great risk for sexual assault,” said Holly Opatick, MS, high school and college educator. “But their risk will climb from the first day of college up to Thanksgiving break. And 90% of them will know who attacked them. So we wanted to introduce ourselves and remind them about safety plans, being direct and firm and letting them know they shouldn’t feel obligated to participate in sexual activity.”
With college students at tremendous risk, PAAR reached out to the sororities at the University of Pittsburgh. Eleven sororities under the Panhellanic umbrella are distributing 4,000 purses on campus at events and in freshman dorms. 1,000 were distributed at Pitt’s activities fair for freshman on August 29.
List of Distributing Agencies
- Female Offenders
- YWCA
- Family Health Council
- Gwen’s Girls
- Turtle Creek Human Services Center
- New Kensington Family Health Center
- Rankin Christian Center
- Youth Place
TTY: 412-431-2576
Address: 81 South 19th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203-1852 | Directions
All services free and confidential.
© 2004, Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. All rights reserved.
Site Design: OSCARm2.com. Contact webmaster.