Mayor Mason Strouse (center) recently met with Alaina Shaffer (left) of PASSAGES, Inc. and Mary Tatum (right) of the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County (CAC-CC). Following that meeting, in recognition of the victims and survivors of sexual assault, Mayor Strouse is officially declaring the month of April 2022 as a time to draw attention to the prevalence of sexual assault and educate individuals in the community on how to prevent it.
“Sexual assault is a major issue facing children of all ages,” shares Tatum. In 2021, the CAC conducted 191 child abuse forensic interviews. So far in 2022, the CAC has already reached 71 child abuse forensic interviews. Child sexual abuse is the most prevalent health concern with the most serious consequences facing children and adolescents, with 1 in 10 children disclosing being sexually abused before their 18th birthday. However, this statistic is higher because many cases are unreported.
Shaffer shared information about sexual violence in adults. “Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. 1 in 6 American women have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetime, and 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. About 3% of American men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.” Shaffer also commented that “Survivors of sexual violence are never at fault and you are not alone.”
Leaders at the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) are reaching out to local leaders to take action. Their current campaign focuses on sexual violence online. Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces. Now, more than ever, screens and technology connect us with others – but for too long, harassment, cyberbullying, and sexual abuse have been seen as unavoidable online behaviors. “Each of us has the power to change that. Together, we can make a difference to build inclusive, safe, and respectful communities that thrive online and offline,” shared an NSVRC spokesperson.
“It is important for those who are victims of sexual violence to hear from their elected officials that we believe you, we support you, and we love you,” Mayor Mason Strouse explained. “Sexual violence is unacceptable and is unfortunately plaguing our community. Whether we want to admit it or not, we all know someone who is a victim of sexual assault, and in many cases, we unfortunately know of a sexually violent person. We can all play a role in ending sexual violence by educating ourselves about the consequences of sexual violence and reporting sexual violence if we know about it or experience it ourselves.”
Mayor Strouse would like victims of sexual abuse to know that it is never too late to report your abuse. There are resources and supports out there to help you seek the comfort and closure you deserve.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, please reach out to resources such as PASSAGES, Inc. at 1-800-793-3620 or the Child Advocacy Center of Clearfield County at (814) 768-3155. To report suspected child abuse, call Childline at 1-800-932-0313. To learn more about what you can do to help end sexual violence, visit www.TheMamaBearEffect.org or contact PASSAGES, Inc. or the CAC.
Immediate threats should always be reported to the police by calling 911.