Sexual Assault Awareness Month

This April, Riveon Mental Health and Recovery’s Sexual Assault Services (SAS) is proud to join the Voices of Change campaign for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), standing in solidarity with survivors and raising awareness about sexual violence in Lorain County and Ohio.

In partnership with the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV), Riveon’s SAS is highlighting the urgent need for action, prevention, and support. Recent data collected by OAESV from Ohio’s qualified rape crisis centers demonstrates the critical services provided to survivors across the state:

  • 41,550 helpline calls answered — providing crisis support and resources to survivors and their loved ones.
  • 12,350 survivors served — offering trauma-informed care and advocacy.
  • 9,677 hours of legal advocacy — guiding survivors through the legal system.
  • 7,600 hours of medical advocacy — supporting survivors during medical exams and treatments.
  • 94,721 prevention education contacts — working to create safer communities by raising awareness and challenging harmful norms.

SAS is proud to be part of the larger OAESV impact. However, locally, Riveon’s Rape Crisis Center in Lorain and Huron Counties provides forensic interviews and medical exams, legal advocacy, and emotional support to hundreds of survivors and their families. In 2024, Riveon’s SAS served:

  • 989 Adult survivors and co-survivors in Lorain County
  • 407 Adult survivors and co-survivors in Huron County
  • 420 Children in Lorain County
  • 211 Children in Huron County

“Sexual violence is a pervasive issue that affects individuals, families, and communities regardless of gender, socio-economic status, or race,” said Emmie Clyburn, Director of Sexual Assault Services at Riveon. “Our role as Advocates is to be compassionate listeners, help survivors navigate the legal and medical systems, provide education, and connect people with community resources no matter what. We are committed to being an active part of a survivor’s support system.”

“We are proud to join the Voices of Change campaign this April alongside hundreds of other Ohio Rape Crisis Centers. Together, we are not only amplifying the experiences of survivors in Lorain and Huron Counties but also advocating for a future where every person feels safe and supported.”

This year’s Voices of Change theme encourages collective action and highlights the power of community partnerships. Lorain and Huron Rape Crisis Center’s will be hosting a month long social media campaign, displaying the Clothesline Project created by Lorain and Huron County survivors, and encouraging the community to spread awareness of the 24/7 Rape Crisis Hotline (440)204-4359.

Community members are invited to participate in SAAM by following Riveon on social media @riveonhealth, visiting the Clothesline Project, and sharing the hotline number within their community.

For more information about Riveon’s Rape Crisis Center, please visit www.riveonhealth.org.