LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I am writing this letter about the recent article regarding a series of sexual assaults at a local apartment complex with incidents from “peeping” to inappropriate touching of two women while sleeping. HCWC, the only local nonprofit social services organization that provides free and confidential services to survivors of sexual assault, feels it is important to address this shared fear in our community.
Sexual assault crimes have been a community problem for decades. Stranger assaults, while clearly frightening and dangerous, are not the most common form of sexual assault. Most sexual assaults happen between acquaintances or others known to their victims. While we encourage everyone to implement safety measures, we also know that this will not 100% ensure that someone won’t be assaulted. We also don’t want victims to feel blame or responsibility for their sexual assaults even if they didn’t remember to lock their door or look back over their shoulder. Victim blaming only serves to embolden sexual assault perpetrators and creates additional barriers that discourage victims from coming forward.
We also want to take the opportunity to reach out to those survivors of recent and past sexual assaults and remind them that we are here to support you. Media attention like this often triggers those who have experienced this trauma. Please take care of yourself and contact us should you need support. Our 24-hour HELPLine is 512-396-4357. As the only certified program allowed to accompany survivors, we also provide hospital response to those in need of a sexual assault forensic exam 24/7. We serve any individual who lives, works or goes to school in Hays or Caldwell County.
As a community, we can come together and be a safe place for all survivors.
We would also like to invite your readers to find out more about all of HCWC services (including services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and child abuse) or to learn ways to get involved by visiting our website at hcwc.org.
Thank you for your attention,
Melissa Rodriguez HCWC Chief Executive Officer
