Murphy – April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and is a time for survivors, advocates and the community to show support to survivors, increase knowledge and awareness, and identify strategies and resources to prevent sexual violence.
Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men have experienced sexual assault in their lives, and every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties opened 41 years ago, and in that time has helped 656 survivors of rape. Of those cases, 50% reported their spouse as the perpetrator.
Despite those tragic numbers, 63% of all rapes go unreported. This is often because of feelings of shame, embarrassment, fear of not being believed, lack of trust in the system and other cultural or social norms.
The numbers for Cherokee and Graham counties are lower than state rates, but this is due to the size of the area and the fact that many have been raised not to talk about what happens at home, leading to fewer people reporting their experience. In the last few years, Reach has noticed a massive jump in survivors. These reported incidents are also becoming more violent, both physically and emotionally, resulting in an extensive amount of long-term psychological damage.
Reach helps more women reporting sexual assault from heterosexual relationships but is working hard to educate the community about underreported, high-risk groups such as men and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
“It’s important to break the stigma around sexual assault in our communities so that survivors feel supported enough to seek out support in the ways they need,” said Matthew Crawford, marketing coordinator and advocate for Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties.
One of the most important topics Reach is focusing on is the concept of consent. According to its website, “Consent is necessary because it cannot be implied from: one’s relationship status, acceptance of gifts, or previous consent to sexual activity.” Consent can be given or taken away and any time, and no answer is an answer that means consent has not been given.
“Marital rape is common, and we see a lot of it. Just because you’re married doesn’t mean you can’t be raped,” Crawford said. “Those who have experienced need to know they aren’t alone, they’re worthy and important, and there are people and resources in the community to support them.”
Crawford believes being educated about sexual assault and sexual violence is one of the most important things members of the community can do. Oftentimes, survivors will tell someone they trust before anyone else, and education can help those receiving this information to avoid being caught off guard or reacting poorly.
“Survivors don’t want to be judged, and the way a person reacts is crucial. Come from a place of empathy and support, even if you don’t know what to do beyond that, the way you react makes a difference,” he said.
Reach’s website has information to help members of the community learn more about these topics, and they encourage anyone to stop by and talk with them, as this creates a more open-minded, supportive, and educated community.
“You never know who this can happen to or has happened to. Education can help you to be aware that a person, even a stranger in a grocery store, might be behaving a certain way because they are experiencing abuse, and empathy goes a long way,” Crawford said.
Beyond education, the main way members of the community can show support for survivors and Reach is by donating funds or items to the thrift store or shopping at the thrift store. The thrift store is the main source of income and what keeps Reach afloat and able to provide support to survivors.
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There are also volunteer opportunities at the thrift store and shelter that can be found on Reach’s website. Community members can also attend events and take photos at these events to show support for their organization and the survivors that they help.
“We want to convey to survivors that they aren’t just getting help and support from Reach, but from the entire community,” Crawford said.
On Wednesday, April 30, community members are encouraged to wear denim to spread awareness of Sexual Assault Awareness Month and make a statement of support for survivors. If posting on social media, make sure to use #YourVoiceHasPower and #Denimdayreachofcherokeecounty.
Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties offers a crisis line that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and answered in the county. The nonprofit also offers a safe-haven shelter, provides court accompaniment, shares referral programs for therapy and support groups, and offers other services to help survivors move forward.
“Reach is here to walk with survivors through their journey. We don’t force anything and simply support them however they need. Each experience is different, and we personalize support based on what the individual wants,” Crawford said.
Details: Write Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties at 1980 U.S. 64 W., Murphy, NC, 28906; call 828-837-8064; or visit reachofcherokeecounty.org.