CEO Update 5.6.2021

Start by believing…

Last week was an emotional week for so many, including an amazing survivor of sexual assault who was compelled to testify against her assailant in a public ethics committee hearing at our State Capitol.

This takes a tremendous amount of courage, and the events surrounding this one survivor’s circumstance clearly demonstrate firsthand why so many victims do not come forward. The public shaming and blaming she experienced may have deterred many others. However, Jane Doe persevered. She was heard, believed and vindicated, given the decision made by the ethics committee to censure, suspend and expel the member of the House of Representatives who sexually assaulted her.

In an irony not lost on those of us working here at the WCA, the public ethics committee hearing took place on the last Wednesday in April, Denim Day—a day dedicated around the world to supporting victims by raising awareness about sexual assault and, specifically, the harm caused by victim blaming.

As we head into May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, it is even more important to acknowledge the importance of self-care and connecting to resources. For many individuals who have suffered the trauma of sexual assault and rape, please know that we are here and ready to help. Regardless of when the assault occurred, the events of last week may have served as a trigger, retraumatizing many who thought their past was successfully dealt with.

Mental health is greatly impacted by any form of trauma, and recognizing that you are in need of help is an important first step. If you or someone you know needs help, please call our 24-hour sexual assault hotline, from anywhere, at 208.345.7273 for resources or with questions or concerns. You are not alone! We believe you.

It is the final day of Idaho Gives, a time when we encourage all those connected to the WCA to learn more about our programs and share the information with their networks. Find your passion, and share it. We love to highlight the collaborations and partnerships we have with other nonprofits, which make up the incredible safety net of services and allows the WCA to focus on doing what we do best—providing safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault. However, we know that those who come to us need more tools and resources than we house under our roof, and we are so grateful to folks like Idaho Youth Ranch, the Mini Joys, Idaho Legal Aid Services, Terry Reilly Health Services and Boys and Girls Clubs of Ada County—just to name a few. We encourage you to go to idahogives.org and learn about the amazing nonprofits in our community and find something that drives you

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