The Wellspring hosted the Richland Parish Stopping Abusive Family Environments Rural Services Task Force meeting on April 24 at the Richland Parish Courthouse in Rayville. The SAFER Task Force is composed of members of the community who might encounter domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking in their roles. These meetings are held quarterly with the mission of keeping victims safe and holding abusers accountable. The Wellspring aims to educate and work collaboratively with community partners to achieve this mission.
April was Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Members discussed all forms of sexual abuse, including tech-enabled sexual abuse. Representatives from The Wellspring’s Sexual Assault Program shared information about the services it offers to victims of sexual assault.
According to statistics shared by the Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault, someone is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds in the United States. The Wellspring has programs in place to speak with children and young adults to prevent sexual assault from occurring in the future. The organization is happy to present or share information with any group about how to prevent sexual assault or what to do if they have been assaulted. Any schools or youth organizations that would like to receive a free presentation on sexual assault are encouraged to contact Beverly Parker at 318412-0226.
For more information about the SAFER Task Force and its next meeting, contact Beverly Parker at bparker@wellspringalliance. org, or she can also be reached at 318-4120226.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault, call The Wellspring at 318-281-3655 during normal business hours. The Wellspring crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by dialing 318323-1505. The Wellspring is always available to provide support.
The Wellspring is a multi-faceted organization focusing on strengthening the lives of individuals and families throughout Northeast Louisiana. It offers comprehensive residential and non-residential services for survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
Learn more about the services offered in your area by visiting www.wellspringofnela. org.
