Sexual assault can be a difficult topic to discuss, but raising awareness of this issue can prove to be life-saving and empowering to survivors.

That is why the Marshall County Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Coalition is hosting a public cosmic bowling event, called Strike Out Violence, held Saturday from 7-9 p.m. at Totem Bowl.

“Sexual assault is a hard issue to talk about, but it’s a deep-rooted issue in our community,” said Trisha Hall, sexual assault advocate at ACCESS who is coordinating the event. “This year, there have already been 13 sexual assault crimes investigated by the Marshalltown Police Department.”

Those interested in attending do not need to pre-register. For a fee of $12 per person, attendees can bowl all they would like during the event.

“We felt this type of event would be attractive to families and people of all ages,” said Assistant Marshall County Attorney Sarah Tupper, who is a member of the coalition.

Resources will be available at the event for those wanting to learn more about how to get involved with the coalition, and learn about the agencies that offer counseling and advocacy for survivors.

“Anyone can join our coalition; you don’t have to work for a sexual assault agency,” Hall said. “Our group has been around for a while, and we’re trying to build some momentum … we typically do some type of awareness event in April, and in October (for Domestic Violence Awareness Month).”

The coalition meets monthly and will gather next on Tuesday, May 9 at 10 a.m. in the basement of Central Christian Church, located at 300 W. Main St. in Marshalltown.

To learn more, contact Hall at trisha@assaultcarecenter.org.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com