Melanie dialed 9-1-1 when she just couldn't take it anymore.  For the past few months, her boyfriend had been getting more and more violent towards her.  She finally reached her limit on a Thursday night when he choked and raped her repeatedly.  Melanie was transported to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for not just a rape exam, but to begin her journey to find help, hope and healing.  I use the term journey to highlight the fact that survivors of sexual assault aren't healed from their trauma by simply reporting the crime or having an exam.  

This story is the reason why we still need to recognize April as sexual assault awareness month.  It gives us a platform to remind the community that sexual assault is still an issue.  And in Melanie's case, it is also a way to communicate how the Crisis Center is committed to helping victims during their healing process.  Often, I hear people say "well, once the attacker goes to jail, it will all be over with."  I wish it was that simple.  The fact is, the majority of sexual assault perpetrators do not serve a day in jail.  So, it can take a host of services and supports to help a sexual assault victim become a survivor.

Another reason we still need a sexual assault awareness month is that only a third (yes, 1/3) of sexual assault victims report their crime.  Unfortunately, stigma and stereotypes often prevent victims from coming forward for help.  During April, the Crisis Center will engage in many events such as outreach activities, media interviews, and an awareness event on April 30th (a detailed list of events is included HERE).  All of these activities are designed to shed light on sexual assault as well as break through barriers that prevent victims from finding peace and justice.  

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that here at the Crisis Center, we provide more than just a rape exam for victims of sexual assault.  We have sexual assault advocacy, care coordination services, individual and group trauma counseling as well as 24-hour support through our Gateway, also known as the 2-1-1 Contact Center.  These services are available to help any victim of sexual assault, free of charge.  

So if you, a loved one, a co-worker, friend, family member or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault and needs help, PLEASE, contact us.  We are committed to providing whatever is needed to help survivors get to the point where they are not "defined" by the trauma they experienced.  

Hoping one day that sexual assault awareness month won't be needed,

Clara