Recognizing Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.
For more than 30 years, the Victim Services team of Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted Counties has provided support to people impacted by sexual assault and other crimes.
“The crime of sexual assault has a culture of silence surrounding it because of the underlying blame that is often imposed upon the victim of the assault. All too often this results in the survivor of the assault feeling the need to suffer in isolation,” said Olmsted County Victim Advocate Cynthia Cox.
“Many organizations, such as Victim Services of Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted Counties, are trying to change this culture through education and support. Sexual Assault Awareness month is a time for these organizations and survivors to help people understand that no matter what a person is saying, doing, or wearing, no one deserves to be sexually assaulted,” said Cox.
Paint the Town Teal
Residents are encouraged to wear teal-colored clothing on Tuesdays throughout the month to increase awareness and conversations about sexual assault. Residents may even notice teal-colored windows, and teal-colored symbols on the storefronts of local businesses to show support.
This month, Victim Services employees and volunteers are meeting with caregivers and visiting several area high schools to talk about the significance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
There is help
Resources are available if you are someone you know is experiencing sexual violence. Please call Victim Services’ 24-hour crisis hotline at 507-289-0636 to speak with a Victim Services advocate. You can also stop by or call our offices directly during regular business hours:
- Olmsted County, 507-328-7270
- Dodge County, 507-635-6266
- Fillmore County, 507- 765-2805
Walk-ins are welcome at the Olmsted County office. Appointments are preferred at the Dodge County and Fillmore County offices.
Please visit the Olmsted County website for a list of online Victim Services resources.