The entire month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Providence House is the designated rape crisis center for Northwest Louisiana.
Every two seconds someone is victimized by sexual assault and it can happen to anyone. In fact, statistics show that one in six women and one in 33 men will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
Rape is a crime of power and control.
Last year {2010} we responded to 300 victims at hospitals. More alarming is that of those 300 calls, 170 of them included children under the age of 16.
So far in 2011, we have received 17 rape crisis line calls and responded to 46 sexual assaults. Of those, 24 were adults and 22 were children.
If you have been raped it is not your fault? Call the police, 911 or the Rape Crisis Line or go immediately to the nearest hospital or fire station.
97% of all sexual assaults are by people that the victim knows.
Chances are you know someone who has experienced sexual assault.
So what can you do to help? Regardless of when it occurred, call the Rape Crisis Line to receive counseling and help from trained staff.
As a friend, neighbor or family member, if you suspect a sexual assault has occurred, call the confidential and anonymous, 24 hour Rape Crisis Line at 318-698-7273 and report what you've seen, heard, or suspect.
Now imagine, a community where no one lives in fear. Let's all do our part.
I'm Simone Hennessee with Providence House.
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