Shelter from the Storm talks about April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month

ISLAND CITY — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and educating communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence in the United States.

Elkhorn Media Group (EMG) recently spoke with Jordan Kaufman, Executive Director for Shelter from the Storm (SFTS), Union County’s domestic violence and sexual assault organization, to speak about Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

(EMG) Could you please share with me, what Sexual Assault Awareness Month is?

(SFTS) Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a time for us to come together as a community and raise our voices against sexual violence. It’s a time for everyone to come together and support survivors, increase knowledge and awareness, and identify strategies and resources to prevent sexual violence.

(EMG) What sorts of things is Shelter from the Storm doing this month to highlight this important awareness campaign?

(SFTS) This month we have placed teal ribbons, which is the color of Sexual Assault Awareness Month along Adams Avenue in La Grande and on EOU’s campus to spark conversation. We also have a few events on campus to bring awareness, as college students are three times more likely to experience sexual violence in their lives.

(EMG) Can you please share with me some statics related to Sexual Assault?

(SFTS) In the United States, every 68 seconds, someone is sexually assaulted and nearly one in three women and one in six men have experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives. 

(EMG) Is Shelter from the Storm able to help victims of sexual assault?

(SFTS) Yes, Shelter from the Storm is here to help anyone who is currently going through a sexual assault or who is a survivor.

(EMG) What sort of services are available to survivors?

(SFTS) We are one of the only shelters in the state of Oregon that actually has our own exam room for people who have experienced sexual assault. So, we do safe exams, we have a sexual assault nurse examiner that will come in and do an exam here in our office. So someone can come and feel more comfortable and at ease during that exam. We also provide clothing for someone who’s experienced sexual assault and financial assistance to help them through this, that could include self-care or other think that might be helpful after going through that situation. 

(EMG) How can people who need it take that first step for help?

(SFTS) The first step is to reach out!  It can be to us, it could be to anyone, a family member, friend, just someone you trust.  Then coming out here we can also help you as well. You can call our hotline, our emergency 24 Hour Crisis Line and anyone will be there to assist at that time.

(EMG) Thank you Jordan.  Shelter from the Storm’s 24-Hour Crisis Line number is (541) 963-9261 

---

---

---

---

Elkhorn Media Group