MONROE — With a possible increase in incidences and more awareness of sexual assault, the Sexual Assault Recovery Program in Green County is offering up a program to support victims.
Healing Hearts began with an hour-long session at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16 and will meet the third Wednesday of each month.
Kristy Schindler, assistant director of the program for Green County, sees the necessity of the program first hand and hopes those in need will feel able to connect to others and receive support they need to heal.
“This is a way for victims and their families to feel supported, empowered, validated, and to have a safe place to support one another,” Schindler said.
Schindler said a benefit of the support group is to reconnect with others because often isolation is a common feeling for victims and survivors.
“It provides an opportunity for survivors to break that isolation,” said Schindler, who is earning her master’s degree in counseling. “Support groups are for survivors who have started their individual healing journey and may find support in a group setting. It is a way to provide support to one another, share information and encourage healing.”
A secondary victims support group will begin Feb. 4 and go through March 11. They are also looking into an adolescent support group later in the year. The groups are completely confidential.
Schindler said it is difficult to say if sexual assaults are increasing or whether people are feeling more emboldened to report their experiences because of a shift in society.
“It could be more awareness and the Me Too movement,” Schindler said. “We see the need to provide support in smaller communities. Many residents think that it doesn’t happen here or if it happens, they don’t want everyone to know their business. We want people to know that we are here to help.”
Chandra Pelikan, director of Green Haven Family Advocates Inc. in Monroe, said they collaborate with the Sexual Assault Recovery Program often, looking to bring awareness to the community by providing resources to people who have experienced sexual or domestic abuse or other types of violence. The organizers also work within legal systems and in conjunction with school districts.The Juda School District has invited SARP and Green Haven to offer presentations to middle and high school students with a goal of creating awareness about sexual assault and domestic violence, both of which impact children in the state and the nation.
SARP Statistics
● 1 in 3 women are survivors of sexual violence.
● 1 in 6 men are survivors of sexual violence.
● 60 percent of survivors know the person who assaulted them, making reporting more complicated.
● Of children who are sexually abused, more than 20 percent are abused before the age of 8.
● Children who witness or are the victim of other crimes are significantly more likely to be sexually abused.
“We hope these presentations will support primary prevention of these issues and encourage our students to ask for help and support if they ever experience victimization,” said Sinem Bertling, Juda Middle School and High School counselor. “The presentations also teach our students about the county and statewide resources and advocacy services.”
SARP was created to respond to and assist victims of sexual assault and provide an advocate who is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All services are free of charge and are offered in English and Spanish. The group is always looking for ways to connect with the community to provide information, and are always looking for volunteers.
“Last year, our eight volunteers, two of which are seasonal, are very active and completed 4,200 hours of service,” Schindler said.
During 2018, staff provided services for 70 clients, assisted with six rape exams and completed 26 forensic interviews. They look to donations in order to continue their mission.
“Currently we are accepting art supplies for art therapy, and jeans, all sizes,” Schindler said.
Not only are they starting support groups, but on Feb. 16 staff will also offer a free community event focused on self-defense at the Behring Senior Center. The class will be for ages 13 and older and is open to everyone, regardless of gender.
On April 6, SARP is planning to host Family Prom. There will be refreshments, raffle baskets and Hugo Espinoza as DJ. The location is yet to be determined.
For more information on SARP or any of their upcoming programs, call 608-325-3142.
