CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – A Clay County-based nonprofit says the area has experienced an “alarming” increase in sexual assault cases, noting that the number of cases reported since July has already surpassed the number of cases in the previous fiscal year’s entirety.
Quigley House, Clay County’s only domestic violence and sexual assault center, said 28 new sexual assault cases have been reported since the organization’s fiscal year began in July.
In the previous fiscal year’s entirety, 18 cases were reported.
“I think it’s important to remember that a good portion of that is due to the fact that the word is getting out there about our services,” said Sarah Halpert, the sexual assault services coordinator at Quigley House. “People are starting to feel more comfortable about speaking up, and I think that that is really a big part of the rise in the numbers that we’re seeing.”
On Tuesday, members from the community and advocates joined Quigley House at the Clay County Courthouse for a ribbon cutting vigil to honor victims and survivors of sexual assault.
“There’s a lot of victims who blame themselves, a lot of tendency on society to ask questions like, ‘Well, what was she wearing? Was she alone?’ Halpert explained. ”Those kinds of questions can make it difficult for people to speak out, but by getting this message out there that you are not alone, we believe your story, and that help is available, I think that’s really made the biggest difference."
The organization said the increase can also be attributed to population growth.
Halpert adds that coming forward can be scary, but there is a 24-hour hotline that can help.
“If you’re not sure if you want to report to law enforcement, you’re not sure if you should go to the hospital, all of that’s okay, just call us,” she said. “You’ll be connected immediately. We’ll walk you through the steps of the process, and you will have the support that you need through the entire process.”
To combat the increase in cases, Quigley House also said it is “working tirelessly to ensure survivors receive the care they need.”
One example is the “Serve for Survivors PicklebalL Tournament” in Green Cove Springs, which the organization says will help raise money for vital services.
The event will be held on Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park, 2760 Sandridge Road.
Throughout April, which is nationally recognized as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Quigley House also said it will hold activities to raise awareness, educate the community, and help break the stigma surrounding sexual violence.
The list of events can be found below, and the public is invited to attend each one.
- April 8, 10, 15, 17, 23: Color the Silence – Join us at local libraries for a unique activity aimed at breaking the silence surrounding sexual assault. (Check www.quigleyhouse.org for details)
- April 23: Spirit Night at Sonny’s BBQ in Orange Park from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM – Enjoy a meal and support survivors!
- April 30: Denim Day – Wear denim and post to social media in solidarity with survivors.
Additionally, a list of resources for survivors of sexual violence and their families can be found below.
- The National Sexual Assault Hotline, 24 hours, call 1-800-656-4673
- Women’s Center of Jacksonville’s 24-hour rape crisis hotline: 904-721-7273 or visit https://thewcj.org
