New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
In 1983, New Bedford received national attention after the Big Dan’s gang rape. Though tragic, the incident itself became pivotal in the fight to end sexual violence. As community members united and demanded action, the Rape Crisis Project was established. Shortly thereafter, the City of New Bedford received financial support to provide a 24-hour hotline, legal and medical assistance, and counseling and educational programs for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
Now entering its 40th year of community-based services, The Women’s Center has been at the forefront of sexual assault awareness and prevention efforts. Since its very opening, the center has helped countless numbers of survivors to heal and has educated surrounding communities. In 2012 alone, The Women’s Center helped 230 clients receive over 800 hours of individual counseling; 173 child and adolescent clients received trauma focused therapy, and 169 of their (non-offending) caregivers received therapy, parenting classes and psycho-education to better provide for affected young loved ones.
Though successful, the demand for help doesn’t cease. In 2012, 1,353 hotline calls were received – a number of them concerning sexual assault. One of the largest obstacles that advocates face is the ‘silence’ that sexual assault carries. Statistically, sexual assault is the most under-reported violent crime. According to Jane Doe Inc. (the MA Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence), it is estimated that only about 16% of victims of sexual violence ever report to the police. In one year, 2,337 incidents of sexual assault were reported to rape crisis centers in Massachusetts. (And that’s more than the police receive!) If only 16% of victims report, you do the math…
The facts are startling, but change comes from knowing the facts. Anyone at any time, anywhere, may become a victim of sexual violence. When it comes to sexual assault, children are especially vulnerable. Who can forget the 2008 rape of the 6-year-old boy in the New Bedford Public Library? We hear terrifying incidents like this on the news, because they are in fact, rare. In truth, 90% of child victims know their perpetrator. So while we may think of the stranger lurking in the shadows of the park, a disturbing 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18 by someone they nearly always know and trust.
This isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to get you thinking. In order to make a difference, we need to break the ‘silence.’ April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month and The Women’s Center aims to encourage communities by saying “Let’s Talk About It.” The Women’s Center is a valuable resource, but the greatest efforts need to occur before the hotline call is made. Creating a dialogue is crucial.
On April 3rd, The Women’s Center will host a community forum to spark the conversation. Join the conversation April 3, from 3:30 – 5:30 at the Boys & Girls Club, 166 Jenney Street in New Bedford. Receive information about community resources and services, and enjoy free food and raffle giveaways. At 4:00, Mayor Jon Mitchell will give an official proclamation in recognition of Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Prevention Month. By talking, we can prevent abuse.
Help for all is available at The Women’s Center. The Child & Adolescent Trauma Program provides comprehensive services to child victims of sexual and/or physical abuse, as well as to children who have witnessed domestic violence. All services are free and confidential. For more information call 508-996-3343 or visit www.thewomenscentersc.com. If you need help or know someone who does, call the TWC 24-hour Hotline at 508-999-6636.
