‘It’s Time To Talk About It’
WAYNESBURG – Sexual assault and child abuse are subjects most people are uncomfortable talking about. Unfortunately, sexual assault and abuse incidents do occur often, even in small, close-knit communities like the ones in Greene County.
To address and help raise awareness about these issues, local officials and organizations have engaged several initiatives throughout the county in the hopes that it will get people talking and learning more about them.
Earlier this month, Greene County commissioners joined with communities across the country proclaiming April Sexual Assault Awareness Month and standing up for sexual assault prevention by proclaiming the theme of “It’s Time To Talk About It.”
The proclamation acknowledges the importance of educating the community about sexual violence prevention, supporting survivors and speaking out against harmful attitudes and actions. It also supports public and private efforts to prevent sexual violence and recognizes the impact it has on every community.
Joanna Dragan, program supervisor for the Sexual Trauma, Treatment and Recovery Services (STTARS) program, presented the commissioners at their April 4 meeting with information related to stopping abuse, as well as teal pins. Teal is the color associated with sexual assault awareness.
Dragan said the proclamation addresses all forms of sexual assault and abuse, whether the victims are adults or children.
“When it comes to children, all adults have a role in child sexual abuse prevention and this year’s campaign encourages individuals and communities to support healthy childhood sexual development by talking early, talking often, and taking action,” Dragan said.
This was not the only proclamation issued by the commissioners this month aimed toward raising awareness.
On Thursday, commissioners proclaimed April Child Abuse Prevention Month. The proclamation acknowledges that child abuse is the leading cause of out-of-home placements in Greene County, and encourages the community to help protect children from physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Amy Jo Metz, Children and Youth Services intake/abuse caseworker supervisor, thanked the commissioners for their support and reported that during the past year, CYS has responded to 107 reports of child abuse, including 69 physical abuse cases, 37 sexual abuse cases, and one emotional abuse case.
Other initiatives geared towards raising awareness about sexual assault and abuse are being offered in the county. For example, the Flenniken Public Library in Carmichaels will host a community outreach program to equip adults with the knowledge to help identify and prevent child sexual abuse where they live.
The “Where We Live” program provides parents and caregivers with factual information and skills to promote healthy relationships, build intervention skills to deal with inappropriate situations, learn to ask questions in non-judgmental ways, and report sexual abuse of children.
Renee Presto, prevention/education specialist with the STTARS program, will facilitate the “Where We Live” program.
“The program will emphasize boundaries, healthy relationships, healthy sexuality, and appropriate by-stander response when presented with a situation and how to report suspected situations,” Presto said.
This program, presented in a series of four 2-hour sessions from 5 to 7 p.m. on May 2, 8, 15, and 22, will be limited to 15 participants.
“Although this can be an uncomfortable topic for people to discuss, silence prevents survivors from getting the help they need and also hinders prevention efforts from reaching their full potential in our communities,” Dragan said.
The STTARS program offers prevention education and outreach programs available free to school districts, daycares, colleges, professionals, and the community. Topics include abuse prevention, mandated reporting, internet safety, bullying, sexual harassment, alcohol facilitated sexual assault, acquaintance rape, and bystander intervention as well as other issues.
For over three decades, with the help of state, federal, and local funders, the STTARS Program has also been providing a variety services to survivors of sexual violence in Greene and Washington counties.
Confidential individual and group counseling services are available to sexual assault survivors, their families, and significant others.
Medical advocacy provides information and support to survivors during the examination and evidence collection process performed by medical staff at four local hospitals.
This experience can be invasive and confusing and the advocate assists in advocating for survivor’s rights and offering resources at this time.
Legal advocacy is provided through partnerships with the county district attorney’s office, the crime victim witness assistance program, and law enforcement. The role of the legal advocate is not to provide legal advice, but to support, educate, and accompany survivors as needed through the many levels of the legal system should the survivor choose to press charges.
The STTARS Program does not charge clients for the services it provides, nor could many of the clients afford services if there was a fee. As funding for services continues to dwindle, community support is always needed in the form of donations and/or volunteers. All volunteers must first complete a 40 hour training to be able to work with the program and will provide coverage for the hotline and assist with community outreach events.
To register for the “Where We Live” program at the Flenniken library, call 724-229-5007 by April 29. A 24-hour free and confidential hotline is in operation 365 days per year and is staffed by program staff and trained volunteers at 888-480-7283.