April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

On March 15, 2007 Commissioner Lamar Paris declared April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Union County. Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time to increase the public's knowledge of an all too prevalent reality in our community. During this month, the H.O.P.E. Sexual Assault Program will be joining with people throughout the state and the nation to focus the public's attention on this important issue.

Sexual assault is defined as any unwanted sexual advances, touching, grabbing, speech or behaviors that cause the victim to feel violated or uncomfortable. Sexual violence is a crime of epidemic proportions. It affects everyone. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that one in three women and one in ten men will be raped in their lifetimes. Of these assaults, at least 80% are committed by someone the victim/survivor knows. In 2006, 191 victims of sexual assaults from Towns and Union Counties accessed services through the H.O.P.E. Program. An additional 173 victims/survivors and their friends or family received crisis intervention and support services during that same year.

During the month of April there are various activities that you can participate in to help raise awareness. On Thursday, April 5th numerous local businesses and organizations are going to be participating in our annual Jeans for Justice Campaign. This campaign is a nation wide initiative that is done in remembrance of a ruling from the Italian High Court in 1999. The court ruled that because a woman was wearing jeans, she couldn't have been raped. You can get involved, utilize the symbolism of jeans to bring attention to sexual assault, and let others know that such crimes will not be tolerated in your community. Simply sign your place of business up to participate in JEANS FOR JUSTICE. Call Lori at 706-835- 1637 for further information on how to get involved.

On April 17 we will be hosting a Mock Sexual Assault Trial at Young Harris College. The Trial will be held in Wilson Lecture Hall at 7 p.m. A jury will be selected from the audience, and a verdict determined at the end of the trial.

For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Month and related activities, contact Lori M. Fogle at 706- 835-1637. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, confidential help is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 706-379-3000 V/TTY.

The H.O.P.E. Sexual Assault Program is a part of S.A.F.E., a DHR state-certified sexual assault program serving Towns and Union Counties.