HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Towns County Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw signed a proclamation Wednesday, April 10, declaring April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On hand for the signing were Molly Cousin, Paula Gregory, and Rosemary Flynn, who serve as members of the advocacy organization “S.A.F.E.”

S.A.F.E. is an acronym for Support in Abusive Family Emergencies. S.A.F.E. is a domestic violence and sexual assault program with a designated service area in Towns County and Union County.

Executive Director Molly Cousin told FYN that approximately 60 sexual assault victims benefited from the local program in 2018. Between outreach and crisis calls, an estimated total of 360 clients were assisted by the non-profit last year alone.

“S.A.F.E. began in June of 1989 with the formation of a task force,” the organization’s website explains. “After an informal assessment to determine the need for services for victims of family violence, the task force decided to pursue establishing a family violence program. After additional research, volunteers were trained and began coverage of a 24-hour crisis intervention line and a support group for women. Safe homes were used for shelter. A Board of Directors was chosen in October, 1989, and the process of incorporation was started.

“S.A.F.E.’s Sexual Assault Program provides a 24-hour Crisis Hotline for victims of sexual assault and rape.  The Crisis Hotline is staffed by advocates who have been trained to work with victims of sexual assault and rape.”

If you, or someone you know, is in need of services, encourage them to contact S.A.F.E. at 706-379-3000.

Additional information can be found on the S.A.F.E. website.