It has been reported that an average of 207,754 victims are sexually assaulted/raped each year in the United States. Which means, one person is sexually assaulted every two minutes. The World Health Organization estimates victims of sexual assault are three times more likely to suffer from depression, six times more likely to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, 13 times more likely to abuse alcohol, 26 times more likely to abuse drugs, and four times more likely to contemplate suicide than those who have not experienced sexual violence. Experts say prevention is the key to end sexual violence. Here are ways to prevention sexual violence:
1. Stay alert at all times. Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions when walking around town, such as wearing headphones or using your cell phone while walking.
2. Pay attention to your consumption of alcohol and don't use drugs. The majority of sexual assaults happen when the victim is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Substance use can lower your inhibitions and make you increasingly vulnerable to being attacked.
3. Use the Buddy System. Get to know your peers before trusting them. More often than not, sexual violence victims are assaulted by someone they know, whether it is a partner, a familiar friend or family member, or a new acquaintance. Let them know what you're willing and not willing to do. Travel with friends and if this is not possible, let someone know when you are leaving and where you are going. Always leave with the same friends you traveled with and agree in advance not to leave any one behind.
4. Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy, there is usually good reason for it. Be able to identify your feelings so you can make choices that can help keep yourself safe.
5. Know the services available to you. Have important numbers saved in your phone such 911 and your local police department.
Resource Phone Numbers:
AIDS Testing (Anonymous Testing) | 1-800-541-AIDS |
Cattaraugus Health Department | 716-373-8050 |
Child Abuse Prevention (Info & Parent Helpline) | 1-800-CHILDREN |
Counseling Center (Salamanca) | 716-945-5211 |
Department of Social Services | 716-373-8010 |
Family Violence/Rape Crisis | 1-888-945-3970 |
Gay & Lesbian Youth Services | 716-855-0221 |
Interfaith Caregivers | 716-372-6283 |
Mental Health & Family Support Services | 716-372-0208 |
Missing Children’s Hotline | 1-800-843-5678 |
Olean General Hospital | 716-372-2600 |
Suicide Prevention Hotline | 1-800-SUICIDE |
Teen Pregnancy Hotline | 1-800-522-5006 |
WCA Hospital | 716-487-0141 |
WNY Runaway Hotline | 716-372-5800 |
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Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Department
A law enforcement agency serving all of Cattaraugus County.
Salamanca City Police Department
Community Map for Finding Registered Sex Offenders
Family Watchdog has been in production since August 25, 2005. This website allows you to see where registered sexual offenders live and work around you.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Federal & State Cyberstalking-Related Laws
This list consists of current and pending (in green) cyberstalking-related United States federal and state laws, as well as those states that do not have laws yet and related laws from other countries
Megan's Law
Megan's Law was enacted on May 17th, 1996 and mandates that a county be notified of child offenders residing there and residents have access to that information. For more information on the Megan Nicole Kanka foundation, click the link below.
National Sex Offender Registry
The Division of Criminal Justice Services is a multi-function criminal justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities, including collection and analysis of statewide crime data; operation of the DNA databank and criminal fingerprint files; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; support of criminal justice-related agencies across the state; and administration of the state’s Sex Offender Registry that allows anyone to research the status of an offender.
http://criminaljustice.state.ny.us/nsor
National Alert Registry
N.Y.S. Dept. of Criminal Justice Services
