Post by: Ashley Hoke, LCMHC, Therapist/Advocate
Like most organizations, Family Services of Davidson County had to carefully look at our events and awareness activities planned during the CO-VID 19 outbreak. We recognize that our community members mourn as they experience the cancellation and rescheduling of important events, gatherings, and fundraising activities. Looking toward April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we could not fathom missing the recognition of this important topic. The prevention of sexual assault has always been a priority of ours and we will find a way to continue our outreach during this time.
Some may wonder, why continue to move forward when we are distant from one another? Can we still ban together against sexual violence when we are ordered to stay at home? Isn’t everyone “safe” at home?
We would argue that it is more important than ever to be united in prevention efforts and responding to sexual violence. Here are some reasons why…
Sexual Violence is Still Happening
We know that best practices for social distancing during the CO-VID 19 outbreak is to stay at home when possible. The idea is that we are “safe at home.” While this is certainly true for protection against the Coronavirus, we acknowledge that not everyone feels safe in their own home. The Department of Justice (2013) reported that 55% of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home, while 12% occur at or near a relative’s home. Sexual assault survivors may be experiencing more exposure to their abuser during a time when most are seeking shelter in their own homes or with relatives. The World Health Organization (2020) also noted that violence against women increases in times of any emergency, epidemics included. It’s important to understand that sexual violence is not only continuing to happen, it may be happening more now than before.
The Barriers to Receiving Support are Greater
There are many barriers that survivors face in accessing support and resources following sexual assault. Just a few include financial, transportation, abuser control, low community awareness of resources, and lack of childcare. Many of these barriers have been greatly impacted by the CO-VID 19 regulations. Survivors may be facing job loss, financial concern, and lack of childcare. They may also be under heavy surveillance by their abuser and more heavily reliant on their abuser’s resources. If we as a community are more aware of sexual violence and open to support survivors during this time, we can more greatly help survivors overcome these barriers to get the help they need.
Survivors May Feel More Alone Now than Ever
Survivors of sexual assault can often feel isolated by their experience. Survivors may feel like they are different from others and do not want to burden their friends during a time of crisis. Survivors may also have difficulty sharing their story over video chat or by phone. We can support survivors by checking in with our friends and loved ones and having open conversations around our experiences. This is a time when we want to feel more unified, included, and open to conversations that usually carry heavy stigma. We want to show those we love that we care and are open to talking about anything they are going through.
Support Services Continue to be Available for Survivors
Sexual violence has a horrific impact on individuals and our community as a whole. As advocates, we have also heard so many stories of triumph, support, and healing. Survivors as just that… SURVIVORS. If we continue to engage in prevention, intervention, and loving response to survivors during this time, we can have an impact on the safety of our community.
How can you get involved? Follow our information, blog posts, and fundraising campaigns throughout Sexual Assault Awareness Month at our Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/FamilyServicesDavidson) or Website (fsdc.org). You can also spread the word that our services are still available through the Family Services of Davidson County Main Office (336-249-0237), 24/7 Crisis Line (336-243-1934), and Hattie Lee Burgess Shelter (336-243-1934).
For further information on resources during the CO-VID 19 outbreak, visit: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/get-updates-information-covid-19/ and https://www.fsdc.org
We at Family Services of Davidson County are thinking about you and your families during this time. We look forward to continuing to serve our community and provide support during families’ most difficult times.
References
Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Female Victims of Sexual Violence, 1994-2010 (2013)
WHO/SRH/20.04. World Health Organization 2020. https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/emergencies/COVID-19-VAW-full-text.pdf