LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — Sexual violence is a sad reality for many that can be an uncomfortable conversation to have which makes it difficult for survivors to come forward. The local non-profit, Hearts of Hope helps survivors overcome these traumatic experiences and provide awareness for the Acadiana community. 

Jencie Olivier, Hearts of Hope Sexual Abuse Response Center Coordinator, said raising awareness and preventing sexual violence from impacting others is important. 

“I know Acadiana is a small community and we all care about each other but we want people to know that sexual assault does happen in our community and there is a safe place for people to come,” Olivier said. 

One of the available resources Hearts of Hope provides is their 24-hour crisis line where a victim can receive answers to their questions, counseling and emotional support. The crisis line is operated by those who are ready and able to help and the service is confidential and free. 

“That crisis line is so important because you can call with a friend or you can call and ask us questions and nobody has to know exactly who you are,” Olivier said. “So you are able to access sometimes those questions that may seem really scary and you don’t want to say it out loud but you can say it behind the phone.” 

Another resource Hearts of Hope offers is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), a skilled nurse trained to educate survivors on their rights and provide the benefits of examination and treatment. After a survivor arrives at the emergency room, the hospital can call Hearts of Hope’s 24-hour crisis line, where they can choose whether or not to receive the SANE’s services and have an advocate who will standby ready to present options if the survivor needs them. 

“A survivor advocate will be dispatched to emergency departments for all cases 24 hours a day in Lafayette, Iberia, St.Martin and Vermilion parishes.” Oliver said. 

A survivor can also come to the Hearts of Hope location where they have resources to provide an exam if they call the 24-hour crisis line ahead of time so that an advocate can assist and provide all options available. 

If a survivor is not comfortable reporting to police in person, Hearts of Hope also offers other ways to help. The non-profit works closely with law enforcement to provide a response with safety and comfort for survivors. 

“You file a police report here at our office so you won’t have to go to the police station and you’ll have an advocate with you while you make that report.” Olivier said. “The advocate will help survivors find the right law enforcement agency to report and will guide them through the entire process. As advocates we are confidential and will not do anything without your permission or signed consent.” 

Olivier emphasized the importance of having these conversations among the community. Although domestic violence is a very uncomfortable subject, spreading awareness provides help to survivors who might not have known of the resources available.

“When we go to events, initially people would not want to talk to us because we’re the ‘sexual assault people,’” Olivier said. “We’re an uncomfortable conversation, that you don’t wanna believe that these kinds of things happen in your community, that they may happen in your family.” 

As a non-profit, Hearts of Hope offers many volunteer opportunities through events or becoming a crisis line advocate or ER advocate through training. Olivier said volunteers are always welcome. If you are interested in these opportunities you can contact them at info@theheartsofhope.org, call the main office at 337-269-1557, or follow them on Facebook for more information on events. 

If you or anyone you know is a victim of sexual assault you can call Hearts of Hope’s 24-hour crisis line at 337-233-7273 or a law enforcement agency. 

“So we’re kind of like a hidden joy,” Olivier said. “You didn’t know about us until you needed us. And then we kind of come in and help you and guide you through that process and we just want anybody and everybody to know that we’re here to help.” 

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