Sexual Assault Awareness with Central Oregon Daily

Central Oregon Daily
April 5th, 2024

Watch the interview with Saving Grace Development Director, Donna Britt at: https://www.centraloregondaily.com/saving-grace-sees-a-31-increase-in-reported-sexual-assaults-since-2021/video_dccdfb3e-a1f2-5e17-8c0c-8763394d379a.html

Domestic violence and sexual assault survivor support organization Saving Grace said Friday there has been a 31% increase of reported sexual assaults in Central Oregon since 2021.

"In 2023, we had nearly 200 calls on our help line that were specifically related to sexual assault," Development Director for Saving Grace Donna Britt said.

The statistics were shared to shine a light on April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

"Just last month, in March 2024, we responded to (half-a-dozen) hospital calls related to sexual assault. And those were in the demographic (ages) 18 to 35. So the trend that we're seeing right now is that it's in that younger demographic. And that's a lot in one month for this size community," Britt said.

Britt said that while those numbers are high, they do not paint the entire picture.

"It's important to keep in mind that two out of three of sexual assaults are not even reported. They unreported because of fear of retaliation and other issues," Britt said.

She added it is imperative for the community to come together through awareness and out of support for all survivors. 

"Validate their feelings. Remember they're never to blame for the abuse and encourage them to get help when they can and when they're ready," Britt said.

Britt encourages every survivor to come forward. You can call the Saving Grace 24-hour help line at 541-389-7021. You can also go to their website where they will connect you with their numerous services they provide for survivors.

Saving Grace is holding its Take Back the Night event at Central Oregon Community College on April 25. The event aims to bring awareness of the issue and show how to support survivors, with the ultimate mission of ending partner violence and sexual assault.