By rssfeeds-admin “I think many people still have a strange or archaic idea that sexual assault, rape and things like that doesn’t happen here,” Anneli Robert told ABC4.com. Robert works as both a sexual assault victim advocate and an outreach and education specialist for New Hope Crisis Center. She continued: “Especially in more rural communities like here in Box Elder County. I’m like, ‘No, it happens here a lot.’”
Reminding the community that sexual assault impacts all communities is part of the reason for the ribbons in Brigham City. Robert explained what another reason is saying,“Some people just don’t know what resources are available even when it does happen, so it goes unreported, and everyone just suffers in silence. It’s unfortunate because we’re here to help you.”
Robert said the center has been around for more than three decades but is still unknown to many. Something they hope to change to get their resources to more people who may need them. “We handle any kind of sexual assault or domestic violence that happens within Box Elder County,” stated Robert. We have a shelter that people can go to if they’re fleeing from really bad situations.” She said that other resources include things like support groups. They can also refer survivors to other agencies that may be better suited to address the individual’s needs.
According to New Hope Crisis Center’s website, other services include things like a life skills class, an anger management class, a legal clinic, etc.
How prevalent is sexual assault in Utah?
Utah’s Public Health Indicator Based Information systems reports: “Rape is the only violent crime in Utah that is higher than the national average. In a state where other violent crimes, such as homicide, robbery, or aggravated assault, are historically half to three times lower than the national average, this is of concern.”
It also states: “Studies in Utah suggest that 19.9% of females and 6.5% of males experience rape or attempted rape during their lifetime and nearly one in three women will experience some form of sexual violence during their lives.”
“This is prevalent here and there is help. It’s okay. You didn’t do anything wrong. There are places here to help you,” Robert stated.
“I feel like it’s really important to be there for them, in those moments,” Jess Lewis told ABC4.com.
Like Robert, Lewis is a sexual assault victim advocate and being there for those who come forward seeking help is part of what makes the job rewarding for her. “You’re already going through so much when you are a victim so the least we can do is be there for them, hold your hand, give you resources,” added Lewis.
To keep the subject in the spotlight and connect people to needed resources the center is hosting a special event at the end of the month.
“On April 28 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. we are having what we call a Sexual Assault Awareness Month Spring Cookout,” Lewis said. “We’re going to have a BBQ across the street at this park here (Rotary Constitution Park Pavilion). Any members of the community are welcome. It’s a family-friendly event. We’ll have food, games, an opportunity to meet our sexual assault awareness team and talk to our different advocates, ask questions, anything like that.”
Discover more from RSS Feeds Cloud
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.