On Saturday, Sept. 19, the nonprofit Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) will host a 1990s‑themed Consent Prom at the WOW Hall in downtown Eugene. The event marks the organization’s 35th anniversary of providing crisis care, education, and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault.
Why a prom?
Executive director Martina Shabram explains that prom is a cultural rite of passage often linked to sexual violence. “We wanted to reclaim that experience,” she said, adding that the prom will feature music, dancing, and fun while emphasizing bodily autonomy and consent.
Services offered
SASS operates a 24‑hour crisis line, provides medical and legal advocacy, and offers a safe space for survivors to plan safety measures, apply for protective orders, or speak with police. Around 250 people are seen each year in hospital settings, and the organization maintains strict confidentiality, with no demographic data collected.
Emergency services manager Madi Potter ensures two staff members are on call at all times, while community programs manager Syd Reed stresses the organization’s “no wrong door” philosophy, meeting survivors wherever they are.
Challenges and resilience
Funding cuts have made it harder to support gender‑nonconforming survivors, but SASS continues to foster staff morale through events like the Consent Prom and creative staff photo shoots. Shabram notes the work can feel like “climbing a big hill,” but community support sustains the team.
Event details
Tickets for the Consent Prom are available online, starting at $25. The evening runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at WOW Hall, 291 W Eighth Ave., Eugene. Attendees can expect a nostalgic throwback atmosphere combined with a clear message about consent and survivor empowerment.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
