Sexual assault is rampant, particularly on college campuses across the country. Washtenaw County has five institutions of higher education. The statistics confirm women in this area are being raped at an alarming rate. WEMU's David Fair talks with the executive director of Safehouse Center, Barbara Neiss-May, about what is happening here, and what is being done about it.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness month. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, 20-percent of all women will be raped at some point in their lives. Rape is even more prevalent on college campuses, and Washtenaw county has an abundance of those.
Safehouse Center is an organization dedicated to serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Washtenaw County. The center has become part of a national program aimed at helping victims more effectively now and, ultimately, reducing the incidence of rape. It's called, 'Start By Believing.' The concept, as shown in the video below, is rather simple: When responding to a victim of sexual assault, begin by believing they are a victim.
RESOURCES:
If you are in need of immediate assistance as the result of sexual assault or domestic violence, call 9-1-1.
Safehouse Center website: www.safehousecenter.org
Safehouse Center 24/7 Help Line: (734) 995-5444
