Believe, support and advocate, are three major lessons that representatives of SOS hope individuals took away from a recent interview on KVOE’s Talk of Emporia.
Wednesday, SOS Victim Advocate Jennifer Ogleby and Criminal Justice Coordinator Cherie Crisp joined the program to discuss recent statistics and offer a reminder of their services to the local community. Crisp says when it comes to domestic violence or sexual assault the process to heal is a very difficult one, however, that is where SOS comes into play.
She says any report that comes into their offices remains strictly confidential and SOS’ role is not to push individuals into coming forward, but simply to help give them resources for moving forward, whatever that may entail.
According to Ogleby, it can be difficult for individuals who have been the victim of an assault to come forward due to feelings of fear, shame and concern that individuals will think they’re being dishonest. Ogleby says when individuals claim to have been the victim of a sexual assault we must “believe them.”
Ogleby and Crisp both tell KVOE News that over the past year the number of domestic violence and sexual assaults reported have risen steadily. However; Ogleby says it is unclear at this time if this is the result of an uptick in assaults themselves or simply in reporting.
SOS just recently wrapped up its annual SOS Strong Campaign which brought in over $62,000 to the organization.
If you or a loved one is in need of SOS or their services, contact their 24-hour help line by calling 1-800-825-1295 or visit SOSKansas.com.
