What do you associate with the word “home”? For many, it corresponds with the notions of family, shelter, security, and a place to call your own.
Screenshot 2014-05-13 10.00.52Today, the National Sexual Violence Research Center (NSVRC) released a infographic linking housing and sexual violence. The statistics are chilling and saddening. Instead of “home” being a place of safety, “home” is where 52% of all sexual assaults occur. Additionally, many survivors experience a lack of options to relocate and escape an environment they no longer feel safe in. Or, sometimes, the abuse is taking place at home and survivors run away or are forced out.
California rape crisis centers serve survivors in their time of need. They can provide crisis services and resources to survivors and their families. These in-person support services may include accompaniment to hospitals, police interviews, and legal proceedings, but also include helping the survivor identify their safety needs. For more information about the 84 rape crisis centers that serve all of California, visit http://www.calcasa.org/agencies/.