Resources for victims of violence

The topic of Sexual assault has been prominent in the news cycle lately, thanks largely to the Kavanaugh-Ford hearing and the resurgence of the #meToo movement. During the Kavanaugh-Ford hearing, calls to sexual assault hotline spiked by a whopping 201 percent.

“The focus of the news cycle on sexual assault has been really challenging and, for many individuals, triggering,” said a spokeswoman for a sexual violence prevention group.“

“I think many people woke up to the reinforcement of what has always been their intuition: That you won’t be believed, you will be mocked, and that your own personal health is better preserved by keeping it to yourself,” said Franke, who is the director of the Center for Gender & Sexuality Law.”

If Ford’s testimony stirred up painful or traumatic memories, there are places you can turn for help, including:

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) staffs a National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline that connects callers with trained specialists in their area. The toll-free number is 800-656-HOPE (4673). Live chats are also available.

• Loveisrespect, formerly the National Dating Abuse Helpline, fields phone calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 866-331-9474. Help is also offered via text messages (text LOVEIS to 22522) and through online chats.

• The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence offers links to a variety of hotlines for victims of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect, members of the LGBTQ community and more.

Sources:

http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-ford-testimony-victims-help-20180927-story.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna914811