An organization in Central Florida are pleading for awareness after a recent uptick in the number of sexual assault victims.
- April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- The Victim Service Center of Central Florida is working to bring awareness to the growing problem
- 24-hour hotline: (407) 497-6701
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and many people will be wearing teal today to draw attention to the issue.
The Victim Service Center of Central Florida, which works with sexual assault victims in Orange and Osceola County, has noticed a nearly 20 percent increase in sexual assaults in the past year. Calls to their 24/7 crises hotline have seen a spike as well.
Advocates with the center say it’s never too late to call to receive help if you’ve been attacked. They hope that the teal on display today will send a message that sexual violence is not tolerated in Central Florida.
“You know eventually everybody will be part of the movement and we will say no more, this isn’t something we will tolerate in our community,” said Lui Damiani, Executive Director of the Victim Service Center.
Advocates with the Victim Service Center say they see an increase in sexual assaults during the summer. They want women and men to know what resources are available to them.
The Victim Service Center has a hotline which is open to calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It also has licensed therapists standing by.
Victims of sexual assault are also encouraged to reach out to law enforcement.
For more information about the Victim Service Center of Central Florida, click here.
The 24-hour hotline: (407) 497-6701