The Edmonds Police Department is presenting a program “Surviving Sexual Assault: An Evening of Education and Awareness” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 27, at Westgate Chapel, 22901 Edmonds Way.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with an opportunity for the public to provide written, anonymous questions for the panel. There is no cost to attend, and all are welcome.

Keynote speaker is Amity Addrisi of KING-5 News, herself a survivor of sexual abuse. Members of the panel will include Jill Schick, Edmonds Police Department Domestic Violence Coordinator; Detective Stacie Trykar, Edmonds Police Sex Crimes Detective; Minda Phillips, Providence Hospital Victim Advocate; Melanie Mitchell, Providence Hospital Forensic Nurse Examiner; and Matthew Baldock, Lead Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Special Assault Unit. Edmonds Police Officer Ashley Saunders, who developed the original idea for the event, will be the moderator.

In an earlier column, Edmonds Police Chief Al Compaan noted the goal of the presentation is “o help remove the veil from this all-too-often taboo subject, to increase education and awareness, and to empower victims.” After the Q&A panel discussion, the evening will conclude with a meet-and-greet among panel and audience.