Holmes County Commissioners support Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an annual campaign observed every April to raise public awareness about sexual violence, support survivors, and promote prevention through education and community action.

The objective is for a variety of agencies to share information about consent and respectful relationships. The goal is to encourage conversations, reduce stigma and help create safer environments for everyone.

The Holmes County Commissioners' proclamation Monday, April 6 declared April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The commissioners were joined by a pair of representatives from OneEighty: Tina Zickefoose, OneEighty advocate/outreach specialist, and Stacey Rehm, OneEighty shelter manager.

The duo shared information about why inviting the public to become more aware of this growing national concern is so vital.

Rehm said Wayne and Holmes counties are fortunate to have a pair of hospitals in Wooster Hospital and Orrville Aultman because they provide forensic sexual assault nurse examinations by trained nurses. She said the hospitals also are supported by OneEighty victim advocates.

Victim advocates provide emotional support, crisis intervention and practical assistance to victims of crime, abuse and trauma. They help victims navigate the legal system, connect with community resources and create safety plans.

“Over the past year, we have seen a rise in numbers for exams, and they see that almost as a positive in one way because statistics show that one out of three victims do not report,” Rehm said. “That is showing us that at least they got the knowledge and they know where to go for help and support.”

She said additional support from the Children’s Advocacy Center, Mental Health & Recovery Board, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Wayne and Holmes County Commissioners provides important outreach avenues.

Zickefoose said Pomerene Hospital doesn’t have the capabilities of the two Wayne County hospitals, but once victims are examined by a doctor and cleared, they are invited to travel to one of the two Wayne County hospitals to obtain a rape examination.

She said most victims choose not to do so.

“They simply want to put the experience behind them,” Zickefoose said. “We need them to go up and receive that exam. That’s how we have evidence to prosecute. But two out of three don’t report.”

Commissioner Dave Hall said every community including Holmes County has its own challenges on how to best encourage victims to take the necessary steps to not only have themselves examined properly, but also to move forward toward prosecution.

Zickefoose said discussion took place about the availability of volunteers transporting victims to one of the two Wayne County hospitals from Pomerene, but it was deemed it may be too dangerous for volunteers because it’s possible the perpetrator could follow them or possible mental health issues could arise.

“It’s just not feasible for volunteers to provide transport,” Zickefoose said.

With this year marking the 25th anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the problem continues to rear its ugly head far too often. Rehm said there were close to 50 reported cases last year in Wayne and Holmes counties, and that is only the cases that get reported. She said there are many more that go unrecognized.

“It’s disturbing,” Hall said. “We thank OneEighty because you do a lot of things that most people don’t know. You wear many hats.”

For more information or to reach out to OneEighty for help, visit www.oneeighty.org. Services include addiction and substance abuse, residential treatment, domestic violence and sexual assault, mental health counseling, community relations and prevention, peer support, housing and homelessness services, Oasis Recovery Club, and overdose prevention.