I’m so happy to announce our new partnership with RAINN, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, which is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
RAINN offered the Center for Violence Prevention’s Sexual Assault Program a chat room partnership through The Bridge, our community forensic clinic. The Center and RAINN have come together to collaborate for the purpose of assisting survivors of sexual violence through the “HelpRoom” anonymous group chat online platform. The purpose of this service is to assist survivors of sexual violence, and their loved ones, who visit the HelpRoom.
The HelpRoom technology is a platform built by RAINN which allows The Center to facilitate online support groups for our community. The HelpRoom is staffed by The Center's advocates who would typically facilitate a support group. The HelpRoom does not store information about visitors, and we do not have access to visitor IP addresses. The only information stored from HelpRoom sessions is a log of when the HelpRoom door is "opened" and "closed" to allow visitors to enter a session. Visitors cannot enter a session if a moderator is not present.
According to national statistics, we know that sexual violence is grossly underreported for many reasons:
Only 230 out of every 1,000 sexual assaults are reported to police. That means about 3 out of 4 go unreported.
Individuals of college-age
Female Students: 20% report
Female Non-Students: 32% report
The elderly: 28% report
Members of the military: 43% of female victims and 10% of male victims reported.
Due to these statistics, The Center for Violence Prevention is providing this HelpRoom, facilitated by our highly trained staff, so survivors and their families will have a place to confidentially discuss their needs with an understanding and supportive community.
If you are interested in participating in the HelpRoom, please follow the link through all our digital media: FaceBook, Instagram and Twitter @msc4vp
You can view the HelpRoom here Monday - Friday, from 1PM - 2PM CST
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