This month marks the 19th anniversary of April designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. While times are changing for all of us, times are especially challenging for individuals who live in abusive homes. Domestic and Sexual Violence agencies across the nation are reporting increased numbers of crisis calls during COVID-19. A driving factor in violence is control. Individuals who abuse are more likely to commit acts of violence when they feel their current situation is out of their control. With limited to no social interaction becoming the societal norm, it can be easier for assaults to remain hidden behind closed doors.
If you feel unsafe at home, call VPC. Trained advocates are available by phone all day, every day. Together, we can craft a safety plan to prepare for the worst-case-scenario. We will explore the following questions and more: How would I get away? Who would I call? Where would I go? What would I bring? What comes next?
VPC recognizes this may be a time of heightened violence across Cook County and will continue to provide free and confidential services 24/7. Throughout this time, our goal is to empower the Cook County community to stand with and support survivors of sexual assault.
You can support survivors. It can be difficult to know what to say or how to act when someone discloses they are a survivor of sexual assault. VPC is here so you don’t have to navigate these conversations alone. The VPC crisis line is available to offer information and support to survivors themselves and to supporters. Consider the following tips for providing support.
Reach Out: Call to check in with friends, family, and community members whose homes may be experiencing a heightened risk of violence. Without regular and public social interactions, it can be more difficult to notice when someone may be subjected to violence at home. If you are at all concerned, reach out.
Spread The Word: #StayHomeMN specifically highlights “Relocation to Ensure Safety” as the number one exemption to the executive order. Those who feel unsafe and trapped in their homes “are allowed and urged to leave their home or residence and relocate to a safe alternative home or residence.” VPC advocates are available by phone all day, every day to assist with safety planning and securing safe housing.
Speak Supportive Statements: Individuals who have been subjected to domestic and sexual violence often experience negative responses when they do share their story. Affirm someone who discloses his or her experience to you by saying “I believe you.” “This was not your fault.” and, “Thank you for trusting me and sharing with me.” In late February, The New York Times published an article called, “How to Support a Friend or Loved One Who Has Been Sexually Abused.” It noted, “Your job isn’t to “fix” your friend, make them feel better, or take their pain away. Your job is simply to listen.”
Use Supportive Actions: Let them decide. This is their life and their reality. It is their choice how they do or don’t proceed. Offer to be helpful with however they define help and respect if they don’t want the type of help you are offering. They may have totally different needs than what you initially perceive. Avoid judgment of their situation. No person, no matter where they were, who they were with, what they were wearing, or what they were doing, deserves to be sexually assaulted.
Sign the Pledge: VPC created a community wide pledge available throughout the month of April. By signing the pledge, you are sharing your voice and support for survivors of sexual assault. Upon seeing this pledge, survivors of sexual assault can become more aware of the support the Cook County community has to offer them. You can find the pledge on our website, Facebook page, or by visiting www.change.org/VPCpledges. Tuesday, April 21st, we are hosting an online candle light vigil for remembrance and hope.
Consider Donating: Support survivors and local businesses by donating gift cards to grocery and take-out restaurant options. These can be mailed to Violence Prevention Center, PO BOX 134, Grand Marais MN 55604.
Changes in workforce, stay at home orders, and worldwide uncertainty can lead to elevated stress and frustrations in the healthiest of households. To withstand this pandemic, VPC is holding an online Self Care Series throughout COVID-19 on our Facebook page and website. We encourage you, our community members, to check in with us and take care of yourselves.
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