KELSEYVILLE— Lake Family Resource Center (Lake FRC) recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Lake FRC is passionate about the public and outreach events and we are committed to the safety of our community. Lake FRC will share awareness activities online which will allow more to participate while staying safe during the COVID-19 shelter in place orders. Lake FRC would like to invite you to participate in 30 days of SAAM. A variety of activities will be posted on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/LakeFRC throughout April. We encourage the public to participate with your families at home to raise awareness.
Lake FRC is following all of the restrictions due to COVID-19, with staff working remotely from home and we are still here, and spreading awareness about SAAM. During large scale crises, natural disasters, wars and pandemics such as the COVID-19, research suggests that sexual violence occurrences increase. There are many risk factors on why people assault and in the case of COVID-19, fear and anxiety from the extended quarantine, as well as the economic strain put on many families, may contribute to the increased assaults. It is crucial that as we make our way through our current situation we stay united, educated and aware.
The 2020 National Sexual Assault Awareness Month Campaign is: “I Ask”. SAAM is about more than just awareness; it promotes prevention and creates education for overall safer communities. The main purpose of SAAM is to help increase public awareness about sexual assault and to educate communities and individuals on how to help prevent sexual violence and increase healthy sexuality and relationships.
“I Ask” encourages everyone to ask, listen, and respect boundaries and consent. The campaign champions the power of consent, whether it is asking to hold someone’s hand, asking for permission to share personal information with others, or if a partner is interested in taking the next step in a relationship. “I Ask” is the statement by which individuals demonstrate that asking for consent is a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions, and it will set an example for their partners, friends, and loved ones.
Lake FRC Rape Crisis Center offers free services including 24/7 Community Crisis Line (1-888-485-7733) answered by trained sexual assault advocates. The Rape Crisis Center also provides individual counseling, support, safety plans, education, hospital accompaniment, law enforcement advocacy and court advocacy for all victims of sexual assault and their significant others. At this time, until the shelter at home order is lifted, Lake FRC will be temporarily suspending in-person services. Remote access to our trained sexual assault counselors via our Community Crisis Line is available for assistance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our crisis line is vitally important as a way for survivors and others impacted by sexual violence to access support and safety. Lake FRC is working with our community partners such as Law Enforcement, Hospitals, etc. to provide the best services available.
Everyone has a role to play in ending sexual violence; Start by Believing, promoting safe attitudes and beliefs, and most of all empowering those who have suffered sexual assault. We encourage you to join us in raising awareness in the month of April by visiting and posting your pictures to our Facebook page daily. We urge everyone to please stay home. But if you or anyone you know needs help and support because of sexual assault, please call 888-485-7733.
