SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES ORGANIZATION
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. Would you like to join their team?Profile owner : l***a@d*********o.o*g
Mission Statement
SASO offers survivors of sexual violence support, compassion, hope and healing. We work to end sexual violence through survivor-led advocacy and prevention education that recognizes the connections between oppression and sexual violence.
About This Cause
As the only sexual assault community advocacy agency in La Plata and San Juan Counties, SASO provides vital hotline and follow-up services to assist victims of sexual assault in the long process of recovery from a traumatic and violent crime. These services are often the first, and perhaps the most important, steps toward reducing the trauma of a sexual assault. The support and assistance provided by SASO includes 24-hour crisis intervention and counseling; medical and legal advocacy including support during SANE examinations, law enforcement interviews, case management and court proceedings; support groups; and referrals to other community resources and agencies. Working with one victim can range from a 15-minute phone call to over 300 hours of advocate time, from hotline call, individual advocacy meetings, follow up through to court prosecution. Sexual assault survivors experience acts of profound violence, intrusion and humiliation, and often do not seek help immediately following victimization. Understanding that barriers to reporting are real and significant, SASO provides support services to victims regardless of whether they pursue a case within the criminal justice system. Trained staff and advocates employ techniques such as mindfulness, nonjudgmental, empathic listening, resourcing and problem solving. SASO staff offer choices to build empowerment, providing referrals, and maintain confidentiality to support a victim's stabilization. SASO served 228 unduplicated victims, with 901 contacts, 1,255 victim services, and 476 referrals to community in 2021. So far in 2022 (through September 30), SASO has served 151 unduplicated victims, 761 victim services with 237 contacts and 174 referrals to community supports. In the last 20 years SASO’s crisis calls have increased 514% (from a low of 56 unduplicated clients to a high of 410 in 2018). The overall increase indicates that sexual violence is not abating in our community and that victim services and prevention and outreach are needed more than ever.