For Immediate Release
Contact: Lisa Robinson, 702.326.0334, lisa@ffwpr.com
March 30, 2020
THE RAPE CRISIS CENTER ADJUSTS AND CONTINUES TO SERVE
DURING SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH 2020
Las Vegas — April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) and Signs of Hope (SOH), which serves all of Clark County, is modifying its April plans due to COVID-19 and focusing on online resources and services for Southern Nevada survivors. SOH reminds the community that everyone can play a role in ending the epidemic of sexual violence that our country has been fighting for decades. Even in isolation, people can post, share, and engage to help put an end to rape culture, support survivors, educate themselves and others, and practice prevention.
“First and foremost, we want the Las Vegas community to know that we are here, and Signs of Hope is and has been delivering all essential services uninterrupted. These include our crisis response, advocacy, and counseling support, both individual and group. Even prevention services are continuing with online trainings,” said Daniele Staple, executive director of Signs of Hope. “Our dedicated advocates, both staff and volunteers, continue to deliver support and information 24/7, including in-person advocacy and services when we can, and phone and online support for others. We are still right there with every survivor who needs us.”
Signs of Hope available resources include:
- 24/7 Hotline. 702-366-1640 or 888-366-1640. Call for support, information and to get answers to your questions.
- Signs of Hope Counseling Center. 702.385.2153. For existing clients, counseling services are being delivered either online or with appropriate health and safety practices for in-person sessions. New clients are asked to call for information and scheduling. There may be a waitlist for new clients.
- Newly refreshed website – rcclv.org. Redesigned to make online content easier to find and access, the SOH website allows people to engage with the organization on social media, through our newsletter, and with SOH staff online.
- SOH social media channels. Facebook @TheRapeCrisisCenterLV; Twitter @RapeCrisisCtrLV; and Instagram, launching April 1, @thercclv
According to Staple, counseling services remain a top priority during the pandemic, as the demand for these services has risen steadily over the last several years. SOH expanded its office in February 2019 to help accommodate the demand and realized an immediate impact. The number of active counseling clients rose from an average of 98 per month in 2018 to 140 per month in 2019.
While counseling services remain active, the SOH is cutting back on support group sessions and alternative therapy sessions (art and yoga) until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. In addition, the SOH will not be holding any group events or panels during SAAM, including cancellation of the organization’s 5th Annual Denim Day fundraising event.
SOH has the following suggestions and recommendations for how people may participate in SAAM while practicing safe and healthy social distancing:
- #30DaysofSAAM 2020 Instagram Challenge. From the National Sexual Violence Resource Center – post daily during SAAM for a chance to win prizes. Click here for contest rules.
- Reach out and stay connected, especially to those who are in unsafe situations. Sheltering in place at home can be increasingly dire for those living with their abuser, especially given that those who might normally recognize and intervene in abusive situations like teachers, school counselors and caregivers are no longer working.
- Talk to teens about consent and online behavior. Social distancing has kept teens apart for weeks, and now’s a great time to remind them about consent in anticipation of restrictions eventually being lifted. Our friends at LoveIsRespect.org, have an excellent online guide to consent. In addition, talk to children and teens about online predators and consent in online relationships. Youth are spending a tremendous amount of time online right now. Predators are well aware, and they are taking advantage of the opportunity.
- Apply to become a volunteer with the SOH. SOH is taking applications for its next volunteer class, slated to begin in early summer. For more information and to apply online go to: https://live-signs-of-hope.pantheonsite.io/volunteer/
- Denim Day, April 29 – an alone together opportunity. Show your support for survivors and take a stand to end victim blaming by wearing jeans, taking a photo, posting on Instagram and tagging Signs of Hope @thercclv.
SOH Data:
In 2019, the SOH volunteers and staff responded to 701 victims of sexual assault at the hospital, handled 4,682 calls to the hotline, a 15% increase over the previous year, and helped a record number of counseling clients.
About Signs of Hope:
Signs of Hope (SOH) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 by Florence McClure and Sandra Petta as the Community Action Against Rape (CAAR) with the goal of helping those in Clark County heal from the trauma of sexual violence. Today, Signs of Hope operates a 24/7 crisis hotline and hospital response for sexual assault victims and provides counseling, advocacy and support to help victims begin the healing process and navigate the legal system. SOH is also committed to raising awareness of sexual assault and engaging in prevention efforts through educational programs and community outreach, particularly to youth. Signs of Hope hotline number is 702-366-1640. For more information, visit www.rcclv.org.
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