Each Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we honor those in our community who provide vital services to our sexual abuse survivors. Our SAVS Stars are those who stand by our survivors’ side, day-in and day-out. This week, we honor Expressions of Hope.
Expressions of Hope’s goal is to promote comfort, connection, and community so that every child feels loved and valued, and every family feels supported by someone who understands what they are going through. They have been a long-time partner of NEWS, helping our clients with furniture to move into a new safe place, with needed clothing, and with making clients feel special. They truly give people hope, and we are so thankful for our partnership with them.
This April, NEWS shares our appreciation for Expressions of Hope because every part of the journey toward hope and justice matters to our clients.
If you are experiencing abuse or would just like some information, please call our help line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We waited 2 years for this trial. My client, Emma*, is 10 years old now and, along with her mother, was flown out here from another state to testify against a family member for sexual assault. I was so proud to watch her hold her own in that courtroom especially against a particularly tough attorney.
When we went to lunch on the first day, she found a snail on the walk over. We got a container to put him in and made a small habitat. Well, that little snail accompanied us to court for three days, and the morning they finished testimony, Emma asked me to keep the snail named “Cobra” for her. I took the little habitat back to my office and now Cobra is sitting on my desk in his new home. She also gave me written instructions on how to best care for him. She had a hard time saying goodbye and cried our entire walk back to the DA’s office so they could be driven to the airport.
I wanted to share the extra little moments that we encounter when working with our SAVS families, especially during long trials. We had a lot of time together and it makes me feel so grateful to be able to share these moments with our clients. I hope Emma remembers the adventures we had during her time here, so it helps with the difficult memories of the trial.
*Client’s name has been changed.
Interested in more stories like this one? Check out our Annual Impact Report at the link below!
NEWS staff show up during 2024 Denim Day!
April’s over, but want more SAAM?
Listen to our Podcast with the DA’s Office from this month HERE
The National Sexual Violence Resource Center provides information and tools year round to prevent and respond to sexual violence.
Check out NEWS’ website for resources and if you need help or want to talk, call our 24/7 Help Line at (707) 255-NEWS
Are you a local business passionate about supporting survivors? To learn how you can become a NEWS Community Champion sponsor, check out our website HERE!
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