April 30, 2025
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UnMuted: A Movement, Not Just a Moment
As Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) comes to a close, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this powerful month of education, reflection, and advocacy. Whether you attended an event, had a meaningful conversation, or engaged in personal reflection, your voice helped create a safer, more compassionate community for survivors of sexual violence.
Our Commitment Continues
While April has ended, the work of preventing sexual violence and supporting survivors continues every single day. At Avalon Healing Center, we’re committed to keeping this momentum going—by sharing resources, fostering consent culture, challenging harmful stigmas, and amplifying survivor voices.
This year, we launched the UnMuted Campaign to uplift those voices. Being UnMuted means more than speaking out—it means standing with survivors, creating space for healing, and ensuring that no one suffers in silence. Through our education programs, survivor support services, and community outreach, we are actively building a world where everyone feels safe, heard, and supported.
“I Am Somebody”: Reclaiming Identity Through Art
Rooted in the theme of identity, this project invited teens and young adults with lived experience of sexual assault and/or human trafficking to reclaim who they are, beyond what has happened to them. Survivors often speak of feeling disconnected from themselves—of not recognizing who they once were or who they are becoming. This poem became a vessel for rebuilding that connection.
The prompt, “I Am Somebody,” gave each participant agency and space to define their own truth. Sixteen young people contribute done line each, later woven into a unified piece. This collaborative writing process became more than an art therapy exercise—it was an act of reclamation, authenticity, and healing. Art therapy, unlike traditional talk therapy, offers a non-verbal pathway to expression. For many of our clients, words alone aren’t enough. Taking the time to process in a safe space and building up an internal understanding of who they are and then turning that into art/poetry and then processing as a group verbally, allows for a multi-layered culturally responsive and community-based approach to healing.
“I’ve never been in a space where I’ve been this vocal about being a survivor,” one client shared. “To express myself in a way that makes sense for me—that’s what made it powerful.”
The poem was later transformed into a video by Avalon staff, honoring the courage of those who contributed and those who walk this healing path every day. While many participants chose to remain anonymous, they felt seen, safe, and empowered to have their voices heard.
“I Am Somebody” is not just a poem. This collective is a collection of voices that are unmuted in the fight against sexual assault in our communities and is a reminder to all that we are not going anywhere, because together, we rise.
~ B. Kihl (She/They), MA, NCC, LLC, ATR-P
Walk for Survivors: Standing in Solidarity
On April 23, we hosted our Walk for #SAAM to honor survivors, raise awareness about sexual violence, and promote prevention in our community. Starting at Avalon Healing Center, this event brought together survivors, staff, advocates, sponsors, and community members for a powerful day of unity and purpose.
More than just a walk, this was a collective statement: we will not be silent. We will be UnMuted.
Participants had access to educational resources, survivor support services, and inspirational spoken word performances focused on consent, bystander intervention, and the importance of simply “Just Breathe.” Thank you to our incredible lunch sponsor Blue Cross Complete of Michigan and to our amazing volunteers from DTE Energy for making this event possible.
Staff, Volunteers and Survivors pose for photo in downtown Detroit after the Survivor Walk event for #SAAM2025
Keep the Movement Going
Even though Sexual Assault Awareness Month is over, the movement is not. You can continue to make an impact by:
- Attending future events
- Volunteering your time
- Donating to support trauma-informed, free care for survivors
Together, we can create a world free from sexual violence. Together, we are UnMuted.
A few of Avalon Healing Center’s Staff, Volunteers and Board Members wearing Denim in support of Denim Day! #SAAM2025
If you or someone you know needs support, please contact us:
📞 Main Line: 313-964-9701
📞 24-Hour Crisis Line: 313-474-SAFE (7233)