Commissioners proclaim April Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month

LOCK HAVEN -- For those in Clinton County who face sexual or domestic abuse, there are resources to help.

Those resources, through Roads to Peace, were highlighted during the Clinton County Board of Commissioners' voting session Thursday.

The board unanimously declared April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

According to the proclamation, read by Commissioner Angela Harding, every 68 seconds someone is sexually assaulted in the United States with approximately 81 percent of women and 43 percent of men experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime.

Other statistics included in the proclamation were:

-- Approximately 1 in 4 women, 1 in 26 men and 1 in 2 transgender people have experienced attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

-- 66 percent of sexual assault survivors are between the ages of 12-17, making ages 12-34 the highest risk years for rape and sexual assault.

-- More than 463,000 people age 12 and older are sexually assaulted or raped in the United States each year.

-- More than 2 in 3 sexual assaults go unreported to police.

"Sexual violence places survivors at a significantly higher risk of experiencing long-term health issues including an increased risk of suicide, eating disorders, substance abuse, low self-esteem, PTSD and other mental health disturbances," Harding ready from the proclamation.

The proclamation highlights organizations, like Roads to Peace, and volunteers and advocates who work to eliminate sexual violence and provide support to survivors.

"Roads to Peace had provided sexual assault services to 115 survivors, including adults and children, within the past year," the proclamation notes.

The proclamation resolves the Commonwealth and Clinton County "will combine our resources and skills, and pledge to become part of the solution to end sexual violence."

Following the approval of the proclamation, the board heard from Roads to Peace representatives -- Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Educator and Volunteer Coordinator Cheyenne Karichner and Juliana Jaglowski.

Karichner shared information about services Roads to Peace offers the community.

"One of the most important services that we offer at Roads to Peace is a 24-hour hotline. If anyone is experiencing domestic or sexual violence you can always call our hotline number to be connected with an advocate to talk about services and counseling," Karichner said.

Another important service, she said, is the facility's emergency shelter.

"We provide emergency shelter for those who are fleeing from domestic or sexual violence. We provide shelter for men, women, children... no matter how you identify, if you are fleeing from domestic violence we're here to help you," she said.

Karichner noted Roads to Peace has three upcoming events to shine a light on Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.

Pinwheel in the Park, which recognizes Child Abuse Awareness Month, will be held at noon in Triangle Park on April 13.

On April 17, the Commonwealth University-Lock Haven amphitheater will be holding a Take Back the Night event at 5:30 p.m.

On April 24, Roads to Peace staff are encouraging residents to wear denim to show support for survivors of sexual violence.

Karichner closed by encouraging anyone who may be experiencing sexual or domestic violence to contact Roads to Peace at 570-748-9509 or visit www.roadstopeace.org