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Ampersand Offers Resources To Survivors Of Sexual Violence

Posted at 6:25 PM, Sep 28, 2018
and last updated 2018-09-28 18:25:57-04

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18)– The Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center of the Bluegrass has released a statement letting victims and survivors know that they are available 24/7 to provide support and resources.

They say that this announcement was made because of the high profile cases of sexual violence that are going on right now. Seeing and hearing about these cases in the media can be difficult or upsetting for many survivors. Ampersand says that they expect to see an increase in the number of people seeking support from them.

Ampersand is available at (859) 253-2511 at any time. They will not ask for details if you do not want to share them.

Below is the statement they released:

“In light of the pervasiveness of conversations about sexual violence in our culture at the moment, we
want to ensure that victims and survivors know that Ampersand is available 24/7 to provide support and
resources. Seeing and hearing about high profile cases is often difficult for survivors. Many survivors we
have spoken within the last days and months have expressed the complexity of the impact of this
cultural moment on their own experiences and healing. While, on the one hand, raising community
awareness, having more survivors come forward with their own stories and experiences, and seeing
some perpetrators and offenders held accountable is a relief; seeing and hearing the doubt and victim-blaming
so pervasive in these narratives in the media, on social media and among even friends and
loved ones of survivors often takes a substantial toll. Though we do not have immediate access to data
on whether we’ve seen an increase in those seeking our help and support, we would expect to see that
as those numbers become available in the coming weeks there may be an increase.
Our hope is that as a result of the current attention to the issue of sexual violence, survivors get three
things: that they are believed when they do choose to speak out about their stories, that their right to
confidentiality and autonomy are respected, and that they know they are not alone. We can be reached
at 859.253.2511 at any time, we won’t ask for details you don’t want to share. We will be there to
listen, to believe, and to provide whatever support and information each individual needs.
And, if this is an issue about which are passionate or you are inspired to find ways to help and give
back, please consider contacting us to become part of the solution by volunteering with Ampersand.
We would love to hear from you as well.”

They are also accepting volunteers. You can learn more about Ampersand here.