By: Savannah Tipton The word rape may seem aggressive, harsh, nasty, or otherwise may make people uncomfortable. As a society, we often stray away from using the word “rape.” For example, it may be referred to as sexual assault, sex, sexual misconduct, forced sex, unwanted intercourse, etc.
It is also common for people to focus on the details surrounding a rape. Questions that perpetuate victim blaming focus on where they were, what they were wearing, time of day/night, and so on. When we spend time focusing on other details, our mind quickly shifts away from the victim. This shift of focus may not be done with malicious intent. It could be that people do not want to believe it could happen, it’s scary, and it’s not something most people want to think or talk about. Our primary focus should be on helping the people that are victimized by rapists. Unfortunately, rape is among the most under-reported crimes and even fewer cases will ever be seen in court. As a community and society, we must stand with survivors and show them support. The word rape may seem aggressive, harsh, nasty, or otherwise may make people uncomfortable and that is exactly why we need to be using it. To speak with an advocate, call our confidential crisis line: 317-731-6140 By: Marty Burtt Beacon of Hope Crisis Center’s Foster Pet Program eliminates a very common barrier for domestic violence and/or sexual assault victims. Research has shown that 48% of battered women will delay leaving their abuser because they fear what will happen to their pet(s) after they leave. Pets are a common tool used by abusers to control the victim by threatening, harming, or killing the pet. Our Foster Pet Program gives domestic violence and/or sexual assault victims a temporary, safe home for their furry family members while they work on becoming self-sufficient.
Our volunteer foster families have the unique opportunity to provide much needed help to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. Instead of having to choose between leaving their beloved pet with their abuser, or surrender the pet to a shelter, victims can apply for our program and know that their pet is being loved and cared for until it can come back home. Being a foster family offers the companionship of having a pet, without the lifelong commitment. Every year, 68% of abused women report violence towards their pet from their abuser. Our foster families can give love and affection to pets that have experienced their own trauma. If you are interested in learning more about the program or signing up to become a foster family, please click here. |
About this blog
This blog is about our domestic and sexual violence crisis center, Beacon of Hope. We hope you find it full of helpful information, motivation, creativity, serious facts and positivity. We hope that it will help you know what is happening in our center, in our community and with our events. We hope you follow our blog in support of our organization and our mission. Archives
October 2024
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