April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and this year is especially challenging with the 'Safer at Home' order in place. Law enforcement and people who work with victims of sexual assault say staying at home often means victims are trapped with their abuser.
The Women's Center in Waukesha wants victims to know that its services are still available during this difficult time.
"Our resources are open, our hotline is up and running and our shelter is open," said Executive Director of The Women's Center Angela Mancuso.
The Women's Center's 24-hour hotline is 262-542-3828.
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The agency, like many other organizations, has had to make changes to try and keep staff and clients safe. More staff members are working remotely and checking in with clients by phone. However, that can have its own set of difficulties.
"What we're finding challenging is working with our youngest clients. A 4-year-old who will come in and meet with a youth advocate, it is a little harder to do an hour session on the phone, so we're trying to problem solve with different ways to do our programming," said Mancuso.
Those ideas include virtual programming and podcasts.
The Women's Center also needs gloves, masks, and gowns for their staff and clients. You can find more information about how to help, how to get help, and how The Women's Center is working through this pandemic, on its website.