There are free and confidential services for sexual assault victims in the Washington County area.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Rural County Services Coordinator Deanna Hansen with the Rape Victim Advocacy Program is reminding local residents that there is help available for victims of any age, “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.” Work that Hansen’s office helps with includes counseling services, going with victims to report incidents or meeting with county attorneys, and advocacy.

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.

A bake sale is being held today 3-7 p.m. at the Washington Walmart to support survivors in Washington County.

Deanna Hansen – 319-541-2059
24/7 support – 319-335-6000 or 1-800-228-1625