Clovis, NM – April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month and the focus for the Curry County Wellness Council’s 12 Months of Wellness Campaign. Sexual violence is a difficult issue that many residents face. One in every three women and one in every seven boys will be victims of child sexual abuse during their childhood. It is estimated that roughly two-thirds of victims never report to law enforcement, seek medical services, or counseling. There are many local resources available free of charge to victims of sexual violence.

Law enforcement agencies are a strong and positive resource to victims and their families. The sheriff’s offices manage the sex offender registry systems on a local level and are able to provide additional information about these registry systems to residents. Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) of Eastern New Mexico provides free, confidential medical and forensic services to victims of sexual assault and child sexual abuse throughout Eastern New Mexico. SANE nurses receive specialized training to conduct these medical exams. They also serve as a community referral source to other agencies and community organizations that assist victims and their families.

The Oasis-Children’s Advocacy Center conducts forensic interviews of children who have witnessed or been victims of abuse or violent crimes. The Oasis staff also focuses on community awareness as a large part of their mission. Their staff present at area schools and teach kids about abuse and encourage them to talk to someone.  Mental Health Resources, Inc. provides five free counseling sessions to victims of sexual assault or child sexual abuse and their families. Counseling in a vital step in helping victims become survivors of their sexual violence.

The District Attorney’s Office houses the Victim Impact Program, which helps guide victims and their families through the court process. They also provide outreach and education on victim’s rights laws and provide these services free to all victims of a violent crime. School personnel, the Department of Health, the Hartley House, and the Children, Youth, and Families Department, are some additional local resources able to assist victims of child abuse or sexual assault. Victims of sexual violence can now access local services 24/7 by calling 575.226.SANE (7263). You can also visitwww.currycountywellness.org or www.211enm.org for more information and to access an online service provide directory.

Local Resources

Clovis Police DepartmentCurry County Sheriff’s OfficeNew Mexico State PoliceSexual Assault Nurse ExaminersThe Oasis – Children’s Advocacy CenterHartley House~Also should put a link to this specific section of the United Way online directory that focuses on Violence and Abuse Prevention http://www.unitedwayenm.org/index.php?pr=211violenceabuse

National Resources

Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network www.rainn.orgStop It Now – Child Abuse Preventionwww.stopitnow.orgNational Sexual Violence Resource Center www.nsvrc.orgNational Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence www.ncdsv.orgMen Can Stop Rape www.mencanstoprape.org

Sex Offender WebsitesNew Mexico Sex Offender Registry http://www.nmsexoffender.dps.state.nm.us/Family Watchdogwww.familywatchdog.usSex Offender Registries http://www.prevent-abuse-now.com/register.htm

Submitted by Amber Hamilton (575-607-5797)