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Lawrence County Observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

03/27/2012

                                                                                                               

CONTACT: Kim Bishop-Jones/Victim Advocate/Lawrence County Sheriff's Office at 417-466-2131 ext. 2338

Lawrence County Observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

 

Lawrence County,Missouri—April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nationally recognized time dedicated to raising awareness about and promoting prevention of sexual violence.  During this month, The Sheriff’s Office will be joining with people throughout the state and the nation to focus the public’s attention on this important issue. 

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that one in six women has been raped at some time in her life and one in 33 men has been raped at some point in his life.  Of these assaults, at least 80 percent are committed by someone the victim knows, including a former intimate partner.  In Missouri alone, more than 1,426 rapes were reported to law enforcement in 2010. These statics leave little doubt that most Americans know at least one sexual assault survivor.  Yet, only about 20 percent of survivors report the violent crime of sexual assault to police.  

“No one person can eliminate sexual violence on his or her own,” said Kim Bishop-Jones, Lawrence County Victim Advocate.  “It takes a community of committed individuals to make a significant impact.  The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office invites our community to join us this month, and year-round, in taking a stand against sexual violence.”

For more information on Sexual Assault Awareness Month, contact Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 417-466-2131 ext. 2338 between 8-4.  If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, confidential help is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week at 417-489-2351 crisis hotline. 

It is the policy of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office to provide equal access to victim advocacy services to all victims of violent crime within the county without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or veteran status.

 

  1. Tjaden, P. & Thoennes, N. (2006).  Extent, nature, and consequences of rape victimizations:  Findings from the national violence against women survey,Washington,DC,U.S.Department of Justice.
  2. Ibid.
  3. Missouri Uniform Crime Reporting Program Offense Report-Part 1 Crimes (2010). Missouri Uniform Crime Report Statistical Query,Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center. www. mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/SAC/data_and_statics_ucr.html.

Tjaden & Thoennes.  Extent, nature, and consequences of rape victimization.