“Our research indicates nearly one in five women and one in 71 men will be victims of sexual assault in their lifetime. Sadly, approximately 68 percent of these incidents will go unreported because sexual assault is one of the most under reported crimes,” says Angelita Velasco Gunn, executive director of AWARE, Inc. “Last year in Jackson County, 58 victims sought crisis services from AWARE, Inc., but we know there are more.”
Sexual violence has long lasting effects on individual victims and their families as they struggle to put their lives back together. Sexual violence also impacts entire communities by creating a climate of fear in neighborhoods and communities where it occurs.
AWARE, Inc. encourages the Jackson community to get involved. Educate yourself, your peers and others in your sphere of influence. During April and throughout the year, the single most important action you can take is to believe survivor stories.
For more information, contact Angelita Velasco Gunn at agunn@awareshelter.org or (517) 783-1638 ext. 140. Visit AWARE on Facebook at facebook.com/Aware Shelter for updates on events and activities.