Olmsted County recognizes April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Every April, people across the United States bring awareness to the prevention of horrific acts of violence during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual violence impacts hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. One out of every six American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape. In most cases of sexual violence, the perpetrator is known to the victim.

In 2021, the Victim Services team of Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted (DFO) counties provided supportive services on about 640 cases of sexual violence. Children under the age of 18 make up more than half of the cases.

“The work we do is important because it not only gives a voice to the voiceless, but it also provides an opportunity to help end cycles of generational violence,” said Olmsted County Social Worker and Victim Advocate Brooke Monson-Deboer.

“Sexual assault is one of the many expressions of discrimination and oppression toward vulnerable individuals that have experienced abuse throughout history,” said Olmsted County Victim Advocate Cynthia Cox. “It is a violent act in which the perpetrator attempts to assert power and control over the victim.”

“When we educate a victim about sexual assault and trauma, we are likely planting a seed that will help them not only prevent further violence in any form in their own life, but also share that wisdom with their friends, children, and other family members,” said Cox.

Olmsted County’s mission is to provide the foundation of a vibrant community, and it’s the responsibility of every community member to speak up when they witness or hear about someone impacted by sexual assault.

There is help
Resources are available if you are someone you know is experiencing sexual violence. Please call DFO Victim Services’ 24-hour crisis hotline at 507-289-0636 to speak with a Victim Services advocate. You can also stop by or call our offices directly during regular business hours:

Olmsted County, 507-328-7270
Dodge County, 507-635-6266
Fillmore County, 507- 765-2805

Walk-ins are welcome at the Olmsted County office. Appointments are preferred at the Dodge County and Fillmore County offices.

Please visit the Olmsted County website for a list  of online Victim Services resources.

Support for parents, guardians, and caregivers
A free, caregiver training is offered monthly to anyone looking to support the youth in their lives. Participants will develop a basic understanding of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and vulnerabilities. For more information, please visit Caregiver Training Registration. 

Become a crisis line volunteer
Becoming a volunteer is easy! DFO Victim Services volunteer advocates complete a 40-hour training and offer a caring voice to provide emotional support, referrals, and information for victims of sexual assault and other crimes. For information on becoming a volunteer, please call 507-328-7271, or visit the Olmsted County website.

Show support
Wednesday, April 6, 2022, marks the start of the 7th annual Start by Believing Day. People around the world are encouraged to come together for those who have been the victims of sexual violence. There are several resources available on the Start by Believing Day website for individuals and organizations to help spread the message.