Murphy – When North Carolina’s Stay-at-Home Order was announced, it put everyone at Reach of Cherokee County Inc. on alert. They knew crisis calls for sexual and domestic violence were going to increase.
As Sexual Assault Awareness Month began, the calls to Reach’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week crisis hotline also began to increase, Executive Director Cecilia Crawford-Faulkner said. Just last week, calls increased by 20 percent.
“We expect the next month or so to be worse,” she said.
Some victims are isolated with their abuser, which alone can be a trigger, as well as the recommendation to wear face coverings, Crawford-Faulkner said. Fortunately, both of Reach’s hotlines can be reached by text messaging, and 911 operators are trained on how to get information when a victim calls to “order a pizza.”
“Just because you’re stuck with an abuser doesn’t mean you can’t reach out,” Crawford-Faulkner said.
She said they will help the victim come up with a plan to keep them safe. If immediate assistance is needed, they will call the police.
“We want to make sure abusers are not there to stop them,” she added.
Crawford-Faulkner said Reach has provided assistance for 20 sexual assaults since July 1, which includes teenagers. Cherokee County does not align with national statistics that one in four women and one in seven men are assaulted in their lifetime.
“It’s hard to come forward for lots of reasons, but being afraid that someone will not believe you is the primary reason,” she said. “In a rural area, it makes it even harder to come forward. Most sexual assault victims blame themselves, including children.”
Reach has been in the schools providing information about safe teen dating. Even during this time while students are working from home, Reach is still working with each school to provide information as well as supplies, like toiletries, to teenagers. They are also in contact with students using the same tools as the teachers.
Crawford-Faulkner said they’re mainly trying to get the kids to open up and feel comfortable so they’ll seek help if they need it.
“It’s just gaining their trust so they will talk to us,” she said.
Friends can also help someone who shares they are a victim. Crawford-Faulkner said friends should listen and believe the victim. Friends can also encourage the victim to reach out for help, whether or not they want to file charges.
She wants everyone to know they are not alone.
“There is help out there,” Crawford-Faulkner said. “You just have to reach out for it.”