Fort Wayne Mayor Signs Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
On April 2nd at 10:30am, Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker signed a proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This signing took place in her Citizen Square office located at 200 E. Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana.
One in every five Hoosier women have been sexually assaulted. Per the Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking, 85% of assaults are not reported to the police. After an assault, feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame can be crippling for survivors. Many survivors don’t share about their assault with others, fearing further questioning or judgment. Healing from trauma can feel like an insurmountable obstacle.
YWCA Northeast Indiana provides support and advocacy services for survivors of sexual violence, including sexual assault and human trafficking. Our Sexual Assault Advocates works one-on-one with survivors to help process their experience, provide emotional support and guidance, and navigate resources survivors may need, including connecting the individual to medical and legal advocacy if needed and providing psychoeducational tools to help survivors cope with their experience and life after assault. Our Sexual Violence Coordinator oversees program development and works to build partnerships with other community stakeholders like the Sexual Assault Treatment Center and Fort Wayne Victim Assistance. In addition to one-on-one advocacy services, clients also have access to our free therapy services, shelter if needed, and support groups.
YWCA Northeast Indiana actively empowers individuals and communities through advocacy, education, and support services, ensuring dignity for all. We believe that all individuals have the right to be safe and choose the direction of their lives. Our programs address norms and barriers that could cause anyone to find themselves in situations of violence, trauma, or addiction. We actively work to transform lives by creating positive change, stability, and new opportunities for our clients, their families, and the community. Our organization has served the community since 1894. Today, our reach includes six Northeast Indiana counties: Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells, and Whitley.