Wichita Non-Profit Highlight :: Wichita Area Sexual Assault Center

Did you know April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month? A whole month dedicated to raising awareness about sexual assault and providing information on how to prevent sexual violence. Wichita Moms Blog hopes that this post will inspire you to take action to speak to your children and friends about how to end assault for all.

Wichita Area Assault Center
355 N. Waco, Suite 100 Wichita, KS 67202
(with satellite locations in Cowley & Sumner Counties)

Full Disclosure: I am the Vice-President of WASAC’s Board of Directors. WHY? Because I am passionate about this work and am continually overwhelmed by the depth of services that this organization provides. They exist to help those working through the impact of sexual assault and violence whether it is a survivor, family member or friend.

SERVICES

24 -Hour Crisis Line :: Provides a FREE & CONFIDENTIAL line at (316) 263-3002 or toll free 1-877-927-2248 for crisis intervention, support, information & referrals.

Support Groups :: Coordinates survivor support groups for teens and adults meet every Tuesday evening. No appointments are necessary and they are open-ended. They also provide support groups for parents and caregivers of child sexual assault survivors, yoga classes and art and writing workshops throughout the year.

Counseling :: Offers intermediate, short-term, individual therapy for adults and children.

Medical Advocacy :: Supports survivors at the hospital whether or not you file a police report.

Court Advocacy :: Provides support, information/referrals and accompany survivors throughout interviews and the court process.

Educational Programming  :: Educates the public about WASAC services while challenging cultural myths about sexual assault. Programs offered to the community are provided free and confidential and include:

  • Personal Safety Awareness Program (ages 3-10)
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Program (middle and high school)
  • Internet Safety Course (parents and children)
  • Protective Parenting Education – “Instructs adults in the areas of child sexual abuse and personal safety for children. The program also includes: background information on incest and child sexual abuse; offender characteristics; behavioral and physical indicators of sexual abuse; how to talk with various ages of children about personal safety; ideas on how to respond if a child discloses information; how to support the healing process should sexual abuse occur; how a parent can set a good foundation for children for when the time comes for them to be in relationships as older teens and adults.”
  • Sexual Assault Awareness Community Program (adults)
  • Monthly Lunch and Learns (adults)

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. HELP IS OUT THERE.

Many times, victims don’t know where to turn or what to do. There is no map for how to survive and process an assault. Here are a few options:

1. Call and talk to someone confidentially on their 24- hour hotline. They can help talk through your situation and refer you to any services or support options.
2. Make a police report. Please remember that you have a right to an advocate to be with you through every step in the process.
3. Go to the ER (at either Wesley Medical Center or Via Christi St. Joe) and request an anonymous forensic exam by a sexual assault nurse examiner. This will make sure your healthcare needs are met. If you decide to file a police report, this allows collection of forensic evidence for a criminal case.

HOW TO SUPPORT WASAC


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Jessica
Jessica is delighted to be home in Wichita after over 10 years away in England, France, Jersey and Lawrence. She now lives in College Hill with her husband, 2 boys, goldendoodle and rescue cat. Jessica’s thrilled to be a part of WMB as she believes in the power of a supportive community to share in life's fun. She must admit that she’s shocked (daily) by the challenges and thrills of motherhood, despite her “preparation” with a master’s degree in developmental psych. Most importantly, Jessica loves wine, family, coffee, friends, tequila, laughing, pretending to exercise and pinterest-ing (not necessarily in that order). She’s a proud professional volunteer and board member; Jessica strives to make the world a better, happier, lighter and funnier place. Jessica started Lives of Courage to inspire and empower others to live their lives with strength and courage everyday. Visit JessicaStong.com to join us in choosing courage.