News – Sheridan Media
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). This is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the community to come together to talk openly about sexual violence and to support survivors, increase knowledge and awareness, and identify strategies and resources to prevent sexual violence in the community.
While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sheridan Advocacy and Resource Center Executive Director Yvonne Swanson and Victims Advocate Brittany Hamilton said the Center defines sexual violence differently than law enforcement.
Y. Swanson
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), sexual violence is any type of unwanted sexual contact, ranging from sexist attitudes and actions to rape and murder. Sexual violence can include words and actions of a sexual nature against a person’s will. An offender might also use force, threats, manipulation, or coercion to commit sexual violence.
In some circumstances, victims may choose not to make a formal complaint and file a report with law enforcement. Victims may believe doing so is mandatory at the Advocacy Center, preventing them from getting help. Hamilton said that is not the case.
B. Hamilton
Swanson said advocates at the Center will meet with victims and give them any amount of time needed to share their story and decide what action is best for them.
According to the NSVRC, one in five women in the United States experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime.
Nearly a quarter (24.8%) of men in the U.S. experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime.
Nationwide, 81% of women and 43% of men reported experiencing some form of sexual harassment and/or assault in their lifetime.
If you need assistance, click here or call the Advocacy and Resource Center at 307-672-3222 and press 1. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or notify the Sheridan Police Department at 307-672-2413.
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Last modified: April 10, 2025