News
Sexual Assault Survivor Services Being Provided To Residents
By: Athens Messenger staff reports
Posted on:
As of August, Ohio University’s Survivor Advocacy Program (OUSAP) has expanded to provide sexual assault survivor services for Meigs and Perry counties.
Thanks to a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (VOCA) through the Ohio Attorney General’s office, the Ohio University Survivor Advocacy Program for Meigs and Perrycounties (OUSAP-OMP) was created.
OUSAP-OMP will work with county residents to create a safe community for victims and survivors of sexual assault, dating and domestic violence and stalking through confidential advocacy and supportive services, education and resources.
“Regardless of age or gender, OUSAP-OMP is available within Meigs and Perry counties to assist survivors of sexual assault, domestic/dating violence and stalking,” said Kat Wargo, OUSAP-OMP Outreach Coordinator. “We help in accessing supportive services, in advocating for victim’s rights and in assisting survivors beginning their journey towards recovery.”
Although as many as one in five women and one in seven men will experience sexual assault throughout their lifetimes, according to the US Center for Disease Control, currently, less than half of Ohio’s 88 counties have comprehensive sexual assault services. OUSAP-OMP is the first program of its kind in Meigs and Perry Counties.
About the Survivor Advocacy Program: Since 2009, the mission of OUSAP is to create a safe campus where victims and survivors of sexual assault, stalking and dating and domestic violence are thoroughly respected and supported. We are funded through the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The office is located at 006 McKee House (44 University Terrace). For assistance, support, questions, or concerns please contact OUSAP-OMP 24-hour crisis hotline at (740) 591-4266. Visit our website at http://www.ohio.edu/survivor/