Submitted by Prevail, Inc.
Did you know that Prevail is designated as a Rape Crisis Center by the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault?
Many people in Hamilton County know about Prevail and know that we strive to empower victims of crime and abuse on their path to healing, while engaging the community to support safe, healthy relationships. Many people may also know that those we serve are most often victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault; although, we do serve other victims of crime, as well.
However, when we tell our story, we have not always done a good job explaining our status as a Rape Crisis Center (RCC). The Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault (ICESA) has standards that have to be met to earn this designation. In fact, Prevail is one of 12 RCCs in Indiana. This number has grown over the past few years as ICESA has advocated for required funding and has encouraged service providers to meet the standards required for the designation.
Being an RCC means that Prevail provides comprehensive services to meet the needs of sexual assault survivors. This includes a 24-hour crisis hotline, 24-hour onsite hospital response, criminal justice advocacy, community awareness and outreach, information and referrals, systems coordination and collaboration, support groups, and referral relationships for other needs including counseling or therapy. This comprehensive set of services is intended to provide hope and healing for the survivor from the moment of the assault through the healing process.
It is important to point out that many survivors do not disclose their assault right away, so these services are available throughout the survivor’s lifespan. All of Prevail’s services are free of charge.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This month is an important time for all of us to recognize that our neighbors and friends have been affected by sexual assault. Did you know that as many as 1 in 5 women in the United States have experienced rape or attempted rape in their lifetime? (NSVRC)
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it. The 2019 campaign theme, “I Ask,” champions the message that asking for consent is a healthy, normal and necessary part of everyday interactions.
To honor survivors during this month, Prevail is hosting the Clothesline Project. You may see in local businesses, libraries, schools and government buildings some T-shirts with messages from people who have come to Prevail for help after they experienced crime or abuse. These tees become their canvas to share their message with the community.
About Prevail, Inc.
Prevail, Inc. is committed to offering crisis intervention and restorative support services for adult, adolescent and child survivors of crime and abuse, free of charge, in a confidential, supportive, non-judgmental environment that is meant to empower, educate and strengthen those we serve. By offering these life-saving services, we help people move forward – to give hope for a life free of violence and fear – to provide care and understanding in crisis – to help make an easier path in facing life’s challenges. Prevail seeks to make positive change happen in individuals and families, in our communities and in our social systems.
For more information regarding Prevail, our services, or The Clothesline Project, visit prevailinc.org. You can also schedule a tour by reaching out to Natasha at 317-773-6942 or Natasha@prevailinc.com.