About three out of four sexual assaults go unreported to law enforcement, and Sexual Assault Awareness Month seeks to show support for survivors, take action, and raise awareness of sexual violence in your community.
Every 73 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, and 55% of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home, according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN). Washington County Attorney John Gish says it takes a lot of courage for a victim to report sexual abuse, and criminal cases don’t always result in a prison sentence, “Without physical evidence and just working off of the testimony of the victim alone, historically juries are not likely to find a defendant guilty. And that’s a very hard pill for me as a prosecutor to swallow, and that is very difficult for me to explain to victims and their families why I might be making a plea offer in a case.”
The Rape Victim Advocacy Program (RVAP), which serves Washington County, advises that sexual assault victims should visit an emergency room regardless of injury, as many treatment options are time sensitive, and forensic evidence collection is more effective the sooner it is collected after an assault. A law enforcement report doesn’t have to be made immediately as forensic evidence can be collected and stored for up to 10 years. RVAP has been working with area law enforcement and Gish to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month and build a stronger framework for victims to report assault, “Research shows that support from caregivers and the community is the biggest factor in determining whether somebody will support sexual abuse. And that’s one of the reasons why we’re here today too, is to make sure people out there, if somebody reports sexual abuse, we encourage those around them to offer their support and offer their belief and conviction to make sure that person gets the help they need.”
Washington County residents can seek free, confidential services from RVAP through their 24-hour crisis line at 319-335-6000 or 800-228-1625.