2021 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Theme:
Start by Believing
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and HelpLine Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN) is promoting the message, “Start by Believing” (SBB), through providing education on appropriate responses to sexual assault disclosures. Affirming responses lead to improved access to support resources for Survivors while ending the cycle of silence.
Read more about SAAM in the official press release here or visit the SAAM page for event information.
Sexual Assault Response Network (SARN)
Sexual Assault Response Network is the sexual violence prevention and intervention program serving Delaware, Morrow, Crawford and Wyandot Counties. SARN advocates are available to assist survivors at the hospital and with law enforcement immediately following an assault and can help connect a survivor to the resources at HelpLine and in our community. SARN offers:
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- A free, 24-hour information, referral and crisis line
- Individual support at hospitals and law enforcement agencies
- Workshops for sexual assault Survivors
- One-on-one crisis intervention and follow up
- Healing workshops for Survivors & their support people
- Annual retreats
- Trauma-informed support
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If you or someone you know has been sexually assault, call our 24 hours confidential support line at 800.684.2324 or text helpline to 898211.
Even if the assault happened years ago, the SARN program at HelpLine can still help. Almost two-thirds of sexual assaults are not reported so many survivors may not have talked to anyone about the assault until months or years later. Remember, it’s never too late to get help.
Survivor Resources
The following resource brochures can assist you in defining assault, finding help as a Survivor or supporting a Survivor.
- SARN brochure
- Survivor: Trauma and Sexual Assault
- Friends and Family Support
- Survivor Resource Brochure (Morrow County)
- Morrow County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
SARN Volunteer Opportunities
SARN is recruiting for volunteer advocates who want to gain skills, knowledge and experience while working to end sexual assault in our community. The process to become a volunteer includes an application, interview and criminal background check. We also offer a comprehensive 40-hour training as volunteers will play a critical role in providing support to Survivors of sexual violence while providing 24/7 coverage of our rape crisis services at emergency and law enforcement departments. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old.
If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer advocate, complete the SARN Volunteer Application here and contact Ashley Sinden, SARN Volunteer Coordinator, at asinden@helplinedelmor.org.
Counseling for Survivors
Survivors of sexual assault can experience a wide variety of normal reactions to a traumatic event. These reactions can include:
- Self-blame
- Sleeplessness
- Change in appetite
- Anger
- Hopelessness
- Easily startled
- Afraid
- Worthlessness
- Nightmares
- Crying
Without proper care and attention, traumatic events can lead to an increased likelihood of developing substance abuse and/or addiction; anxiety and/or depression and interfere with daily levels of functioning. At HelpLine, we offer survivor-centered trauma services and various support groups.
Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV)
The work of OAESV is to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of survivors and co-survivors of sexual violence. Find out how you can get involved by visiting www.oaesv.org
For more information on HelpLine violence prevention programs email violenceprevention@helplinedelmor.org
