Bio-One of Marion County decontamination and biohazard cleaning services

Victim Advocacy

Victim Advocacy
A Closer Look at Sexual Assault

JAN 20, 2021 by SARAH WADSWORTH

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At Bio-One, we see the unfortunate aftermath of traumatic crimes, but not every crime has a chaotic scene left behind to remediate. Whether we respond to the scene or not, we are always looking for ways to help victims in our community.

 

Two of our team members at Bio-One have recently partnered with an organization called Families First Indiana. Families First helps community members with a vast array of services, including victim advocacy. Volunteering with Families First Indiana, we are currently training to become victim advocates. As we go through this journey, we are going to share some of what we learn. 

 

As advocates, we will work with members of the Indianapolis community who have been victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, or trauma. We will be available to assist victims with emotional support as well as helping them find additional resources for continued support. In cases of sexual assault, if requested by the victim, we will go to the hospital and support them as they undergo what is commonly referred to as a “rape kit.” 

 

We have learned some alarming information and statistics regarding sexual assault. To bring some light to these grossly underreported crimes, we would like to share a few statistics. Again, this information may be shocking, but we feel the best way to help in any situation is by dealing with the truth, no matter how ugly it may be.

 

All of the statistics below can be found at RAINN.org. “RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the country’s National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE, hotline.rainn.org).” (cite, RAINN.org) 

  

 

    ·      Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted (this includes men and women)

    ·      1 out of every 6 women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime

    ·      1 out of every 33 men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime

    ·      9 out of every 10 victims of rape are female

    ·      55% of sexual assaults occur at or near the victim’s home

 

 

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, there is help and support available. Contact Sarah at sarah@bioonemarioncounty.com or Roxana at info@bioonemarioncounty.com for more information about how to support victims in your community.

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