SASO provides
services within the 6th judicial district of Colorado, including La Plata,
Archuleta and Montezuma counties.
Services
for those victimized by sexual assault:
No one deserves
to be raped. If you are a victim of a sexual assault, you did nothing
wrong. There is no shame in asking for medical help or emotional support.
There are a number of options available, and you are the one to make the
choices regarding your path to healing. It doesn't matter if your assault
happened yesterday or 25 years ago - it is never too late to start the
healing process.
The SASO Hotline
is a free service provided for victims of sexual assault as well as concerned
friends and family members of survivors. You don’t have to go through
this alone.
You can
utilize our confidential 24-hour rape crisis hotline for counseling,
support, other resources and referrals. Trained volunteer advocates
who listen and understand are on call 24 hours a day at the SASO Hotline.
Speaking to an advocate can help you understand your feelings and figure
out your options. Calling the hotline is completely confidential and
does not obligate the caller to report a sexual assault to law enforcement
officials.
SASO offers
assistance if you choose to get medical attention for your assault.
A trained SASO advocate can accompany you to the hospital for a rape
kit or for a healthcare exam. (A rape kit is an intensive exam used
for the purpose of gathering evidence and must be authorized by an investigative
officer.)
SASO advocates
also offer information, assistance, and support in your interactions
with law enforcement if you decide to report your assault and/or press
charges.
SASO provides
ongoing support through the criminal justice system, with advocates
present at meetings with law enforcement, the District Attorney's office
and any court dates and trials.
SASO provides
counseling with a trained therapist through a therapy group or individually.
SASO has
a significant amount of written materials and resources available providing
information and statistics on sexual assault, Rape Trauma Syndrome,
date rate drugs, male rape and more. Some of these are available on
this web site.
Services
for friends or family of someone who has been victimized:
SASO's hotline
is also available for friends and family of those victimized by sexual
assault for counseling or help in supporting someone they care for.
SASO provides
specific written materials and resources for friends and family of those
who've been sexually assaulted. Some of these are available on this
web site.
For more
information on what you can do to help someone you care about who has
been victimized, go to the Facts Sheet
pages.
Prevention
and awareness services:
SASO provides
prevention and awareness programs to groups of all ages. The Child Assault
Prevention Program is a curriculum presented by SASO to elementary-aged
children to empower children through personal safety and education.
SASO has
developed developmentally appropriate middle- and high-school curricula
that focus on developing awareness about sexual assault and emphasizing
techniques students can use to help reduce sexual violence.
SASO also
is flexible in creating presentations to fit the needs of a variety
of audiences. We frequently make presentations to college clashes, to
community agencies and to private businesses.
If
you would like further information on any of SASO's services or presentations,
please call the SASO office at 970-259-3074.
