Resources for sexual assault victims across Delmarva

Friday was the official start of sexual assault awareness month. One out of every six American women has been a victim of an attempted or completed rape her lifetime. 

If you’re a victim in Maryland, you don’t have to go through the recovery process alone. There are state mandated resources. A rape crisis center is available in every county.

If you’re unsure if you want to report it, you can do an anonymous rape kit at the hospital. It’s kept safe for at least a year to be used in court.   

Michelle Hughes, the executive director of the Life Crisis Center in Salisbury says, reporting all depends on how a woman views her situation.  However, Hughes has a message for everyone.

She continues, “Rape is a crime. Just because you had a drink does not mean that you are saying it’s okay to rape me. Just because you have a short skirt on does not mean it’s okay to rape me. Just because you’re out late at night does not mean it’s okay to rape.”

For resource information available to sexual assault victims in Maryland click here, for Delaware click here, and Virginia click here.