One in three women and nearly one in four men have experienced some sexual violence with physical contact in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control. April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. And the Rape Victim Advocacy Program, or RVAP, is working to bring light to the issue. Behavioral Health Consultant Barb Duder with RVAP says there are free local resources to help survivors and their families, “It is something that happens here in Washington County. Our advocate here, Deanna Hansen, she actually does direct client servicing. So she does one-on-one care with victims and survivors. She provides care for their families. We offer counseling that’s absolutely free and confidential.”

To raise awareness, RVAP and volunteers have painted windows in downtown Washington teal with messages of support for survivors. Duder encourages any one, man or woman, adult or child, to reach out if they have been the victim of sexual violence.

RVAP has a 24-hour confidential hotline available at 800-228-1625. She wants to remind survivors that they are not alone, and an advocate is available to assist you in seeking help whether it be medical, legal, or other services.