Rising in the River Valley

The United Way of Fort Smith Area will host Rising in the River Valley to raise awareness against domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. The resource fair will begin at 11:30 a.m., and the event program will commence at noon, including guest speakers to address violence within our community and concluding with an awareness march around the beautiful University of Arkansas - Fort Smith campus green.
 
We invite you to join us at Rising in the River Valley to share the hope of real change and to participate in the awareness march to become part of the solution to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. It is vital to have community organizations and leaders participate in the awareness march to end domestic violence and sexual assault throughout our area. This worldwide revolution occurs on Valentine’s Day each year, and we are honored to be the only rally in the state of Arkansas.
 
Statistically, we know this is a global issue, and we must be aware of the crisis that exists within our community:
 

• In 2021, Hamilton House served 614 children who had been sexually abused and 191 who had been physically abused
• 1 in 3 persons globally will be beaten or raped during their lifetime
• 1 in 3 teens experience sexual or physical abuse or threats from a boyfriend or girlfriend in one year 
• 1 in 5 women are survivors of rape
• 1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lives
• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men were sexually abused before the age of 18