NEWS RELEASE 

For Immediate Release

May 1, 2006

Leeds and Grenville Marks Sexual Assault Prevention Month 

Leeds and Grenville – Sexual violence is a serious social problem in our community that everyone must work to eradicate, said Evelyn Dales today, in recognizing May as Sexual Assault Prevention Month in Leeds and Grenville. 

“We need to be willing to name it, discuss it, and talk to our kids, our neighbours, our friends and our colleagues about this issue.  Preventing sexual assault is about social change”, said Evelyn Dales, Coordinator, Assault Response & Care Centre. 

The Assault Response & Care Centre is a program of Brockville General Hospital.  We serve women, children and men (and/or their supporters) who have been sexually assaulted or who have been assaulted by their intimate partner.  We provide 24/7 specialized nursing care at Brockville General Hospital emergency department.  We can provide treatment for sexually transmitted infections, HIV prevention medication, documentation of injuries and evidence collection, emotional support and information that will help a sexual assault victim decide whether they want to report the sexual assault to police.   In addition, we provide counselling that is geared to the needs of the individual.  We also have a resource library and provide education to groups on issues of violence. 

Studies shows that 80 percent of sexual assault victims knew the accused and fewer than 10 percent of sexual assaults are reported to police.  Statistics Canada has also reported that 61 percent of sexual assaults reported to police were of children and young people under 17 years of age.  Girls aged 11-17 are at the highest risk of sexual assault. 

As part of our May campaign the Assault Response & Care Centre will make available wild flower seed papers at select local retailers and we will be posting articles on issues of violence on our webpage.  Call 345-3881 for more details or visit www.arc-c.ca

As well, there is an online information toolkit to help raise awareness of sexual assault prevention from the Ontario Women’s Directorate website at www.ontariowomensdirectorate.gov.on.ca