Statistics show that one in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives in the United States.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Also, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before they turn 18 years old.

Rural County Services Coordinator Deanna Hansen with the Rape Victim Advocacy Program offers help in Washington County with free and confidential services to victims of sexual violence, “So when we hear of sexual assault and sexual violence in general we think of just rape or attempted rape, but it can be really any kind of sexual violence so stalking, sexual harassment, unwanted touching, stuff like that we can work with just about anybody. Human trafficking has been the new thing that we’re learning more about. We work with the victims themselves no matter what age, but then we can also work with secondary survivors, so that’s like the parents, or significant others, or siblings, or friends, basically anybody who needs help we’re going to work with them.” That work includes counseling, advocacy, going with victims to report to law enforcement or meeting with the county attorney, and going through depositions.

She encourages people to call with any questions or concerns in order to seek help. For more information about the services available locally listen to the Washington Page at KCIIRadio.com and find hotline phone numbers below.

Deanna Hansen – 319-541-2059
24/7 support – 1-800-228-1625