GOLDENDALE — “Building Connected Communities” is the 2024 theme for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April. The focus this year is addressing social and structural factors that are essential to improving the way people live, learn, work, and play. The goal of being connected supports making choices that promote health, safety, and well-being, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) website.
NSVRC’s website shares national statistics that illustrate the depth of the issue of sexual violence, including that more than 53% of women and 29% of men report experiencing contact sexual violence at www.nsvrc.org/about-saam-2024.
Locally, contrary to popular belief, there is also no shortage of sexual violence in Klickitat County. Although a small county in population, assaults keep the team at Programs for Peaceful Living (PFPL) and other partner agencies busy throughout the year.
In 2023, nearly 300 hours were spent by PFPL staff directly supporting 27 sexual assault clients throughout the county. Services included hospital response, advocacy, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam support, protection order assistance, court support, therapy referrals, and support groups. Staff are also active members of Klickitat County’s Multi-disciplinary team, which supports SafeSpace Children’s Advocacy Center in Hood River, Oregon, that specializes in child forensic interviews for those youth who have experienced sexual assault.
Sexual assault, harassment, and abuse can happen anywhere to anyone at any time. It is most common that unwanted sexual abuse comes from someone we know, like friends, family members, classmates, coworkers, or ex-partners. This can often make it hard to recognize an awkward or unwanted experience as having been sexual assault.
Unwanted sexual contact or behaviors that a person did not consent to or was not able to consent to, including unwanted verbal harassment, is sexual assault. It is especially important to teach young people in an age-appropriate manner to understand and respect each other’s boundaries. They need to know what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like and how to set their own personal boundaries. Youth need to know what to do and who to tell when those boundaries have been crossed.
When a person has experienced sexual assault, they may feel frightened and vulnerable. Oftentimes, they will be afraid they will not be believed, or they will be blamed for the assault. It is key to remember that this individual has just experienced something traumatizing. How the first person they disclose to responds, is important. This interaction may influence them about whether they feel safe enough to tell others or seek additional help.
Listening to survivors without judgment and letting them know that they are heard, believed, and cared for are key factors in supporting them through a tragic experience. It is essential to make sure the survivor knows his/her options, allowing him/her to make the best decision while feeling supported. Acknowledging the trust they share when disclosing their assault and referring them to an appropriate agency, such as Programs for Peaceful Living, will help them decide if they are ready to take the next steps in seeking help.
Trained sexual assault advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling the national hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Local advocates in Klickitat County can be reached during business hours by contacting Programs for Peaceful Living in Bingen at 509-493-1533 or in Goldendale at 509-773-6100. After hours, call the 24-hour crisis line at 844-493-1709.
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