Sexual Assault In Our Community
 Sexual Assault (noun):
Conduct of a sexual or indecent nature toward another person that is accompanied by actual or threatened physical force or that induces fear, shame, or mental suffering (American Heritage Dictionary, 2005).
Nationwide in 2004, there were 209,880 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assaults, according to the National Crime Victimization Survey. About this statistic, Mary Pontarolo, SafePlace Executive Director, says “it is hard to believe that sexual assault continues to be pervasive. We must do more to educate and change the social norm.”
We do not escape these statistics in Thurston County. Unfortunately, during 2005, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office recorded 20 incidents of crime involving rape, a 5% increase over the year before. Not only do these numbers exclude city police department statistics, but also we know that sexual violence is dramatically underreported.
“We all must be ambassadors for change in our community,” continues Pontarolo, “it is crucial that in order to prevent sexual assault from occurring, we educate our community leaders and members about the signs and impacts of sexual assault.” SafePlace works with other agencies in our community, such as Monarch Children’s Justice and Advocacy Center, Behavioral Health Resources, as well as Providence St. Peter Hospital to provide crisis intervention and advocacy to survivors of sexual assault.
In the last four years, SafePlace advocates have offered more than 2000 sexual assault services to survivors. Our programs include the 24-hour crisis line, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Program (SANE), in-person advocacy at both the residential shelter and our community services office, and the sexual assault survivors support group.
Sexual abuse crosses racial, religious, cultural, sexual and gender lines. It impacts children, youth, adults and the elderly throughout our country. Statistics show that most victims are assaulted by someone they know, an acquaintance, family member, friend, dating partner or spouse.
One way SafePlace strives to lessen the impact on survivors is through the SANE program. This program is designed to provide an immediate response to the needs of sexual assault patients receiving a rape exam. A trained nurse from the hospital will perform the medical exam, while a SafePlace advocate will provide the survivor with advocacy and support. “The job of SANE advocates is immense, and we are thankful to have such dedicated volunteers and staff to provide this much needed service,” comments Hurtado-Webb.
Another service SafePlace offers is our 12-week sexual assault support group for women to educate and support survivors. Run by an accredited psychotherapist, this support group covers topics including the dynamics of sexual assault, coping techniques, grieving, and trust. “Group members have the opportunity to invest in their own healing process with safety, support and respect,” explains therapist Claudia David. These support groups meet once weekly, and are offered on an ongoing basis throughout the year.
As we head into April, Sexual Assault Awareness month, it is imperative that we are aware of the impact of sexual assault. While our community has come far in the last 25 years, it is up to each one of us to further this change. We must take responsibility for our neighbors, children and fellow community members by looking for signs of sexual assault, and supporting intervention and prevention programs. For more information and resources, please see the below list.
Sexual Assault Resources
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