20 people per minute. 10 million women and men per year. These are the average number of people who are abused by an intimate partner in the United States—the number of other violent crimes in has increased from 5.2 million in 2017 to 6.0 million in 2018.
This is a state of emergency— the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared it a serious national public health problem.
The statistics are overwhelming, and sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start.
Answering the call, Waymakers has launched a new public awareness campaign, Your Story is Safe with Us, to reach out to victims of violent crimes and sexual assault with an offer of support, guidance and assistance. The campaign will be seen across Southern California—on bus shelters, in movie theaters, and through social media and digital web banners—to get the word out that Waymakers is a safe, confidential, and judgement-free space where victims can take the first step onto a steady, healing path. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault or other forms of violence, you are not alone, Waymakers is here for you.
Waymakers offers trained experts in crisis intervention who will listen to your story and work to meet your individual needs. Waymakers can help you connect to resources that will assist in addressing physical and mental health concerns. If your case involves law enforcement or the courts, your Waymakers victim advocate will be there to educate you about the criminal justice system, help you prepare a victim impact statement that relays what you have experienced, and assures that your rights are honored as they accompany you to court appearances or law enforcement interviews. Waymakers can also help you get access to any basic needs such as food, emergency lodging, clothing and offer assistance in applying for the state victim compensation program and restitution.
You can help too! There is no better time than now to advocate for victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault and other crimes so they can move forward, into a new season of life. To learn more about this public awareness campaign, please visit safewithus.org.
