Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy: Why it Matters #SAAM2025
By Jacqueline Hansen, Sexual Assault Victim Advocate at Project R.E.S.T.
In 2023, there were 5,418 instances of sexual violence reported to law enforcement in South Carolina.¹ We know that about 2 out of every 3 instances go unreported, meaning this number can be as high as 15,254 people affected by sexual violence. Even more startling is that only about 2.5% of reported instances of sexual violence will end in a conviction. This means that of the 5,418 reported, only 135 will be prosecuted.²
Unfortunately, once someone has experienced sexual abuse, their risk of being victimized in the future increases. This is why victim advocacy is necessary. With services that begin to mitigate the effects of trauma, the risk of revictimization lowers.³ By offering services like hospital accompaniment, therapy, court advocacy, and a 24/7 crisis line, we can empower those that need it the most. But it isn’t just enough for Project R.E.S.T. to advocate for survivors of sexual abuse, we all must be advocates and allies.
So, what can you do? Donate! Every dollar we receive allows us to provide these essential services to our clients. Volunteer! We couldn’t do our work without the help of our amazing volunteers that aid us in manning our 24/7 crisis line and help with community outreach, among many other things. Advocate! Share statistics and facts about sexual violence with those around you. Raise awareness by participating in days of solidarity with survivors. On April 9th, Project R.E.S.T. will be at the SC State House at the Victim’s Matter Rally to stand with survivors of sexual abuse. Join us! Also join us in wearing denim on International Denim Day 2025. Contact Jacqueline Hansen at jacqueline.hansen@projectrest.org if you or your business are interested in participating.
Together we can end sexual violence. “Together we act, united we change.”
Sources
- South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division. (2023). 2023 Crime in South Carolina. https://www.sled.sc.gov/forms/statistics/2023%20-%20Crime%20in%20South%20Carolina%20(101524).pdf
- Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network. (n.d.). The Criminal Justice System: Statistics. https://rainn.org/statistics/criminal-justice-system
- Jaffe, A.E., Brockdorf, A. N., Messman, T.L., Gratz, K.L., & DiLillo, D. (2022). Is the Risk for Sexual Revictimization Cumulative? A Prospective Examination. Women’s Health Issues, 33(2), 208-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.whi.2022.11.007
