A Stark Reminder

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To the Editor,
The recent scandal unfolding at Penn State serves as a stark reminder that sexual abusers can be anyone and anywhere. They can be someone we know and trust, in fact, over 80 percent of sexual assaults are committed by people we know, acquaintances, dates, neighbors and family members.  And victims of sexual assault can be anyone, from the youngest child to the frail and elderly.
It is important to know that when sexual assault occurs, help is available. The Sexual Violence Response Team of 180 Turning Lives Around is available to victims 24 hours a day, seven days a week on the hotline and at area hospitals throughout Monmouth County.  Last year, our hotline received over 900 calls concerning sexual violence and the team assisted 237 sexual assault victims.
180 Turning Lives Around provides survivors of sexual assault or abuse with comprehensive, confidential services at no charge, including medical and legal advocacy; medical, police and court accompaniment; 24-hour crisis hotline and crisis intervention services; and counseling.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 180’s Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-888- 264-7273.
 
Anna Diaz-White
Executive Director
180 Turning Lives Around, Inc.
1 Bethany Road, Building 3, Suite 42
Hazlet, NJ 07730
732-264-4360 ext. 4210
annadw@180nj.org