Rape victim services kick off at YWCA

Van Wert independent staff

A workshop on human trafficking was the first event in a partnership on rape victims services between the Van Wert County YWCA and Crime Victims Services of Van Wert and Allen counties.

“Crime Victims Services in Lima came to use with an expansion grant,” said Jamie Evans, YWCA housing and domestic violence services director. “They already do rape services, so they wanted to expand into Van Wert County and Hardin County.”

Evans added that, with the YWCA already providing domestic violence services, adding rape services was a reasonable expansion of the program.

The YWCA’s domestic violence hotline telephone number has also been expanded to include rape services as well. Anyone needing either domestic violence or sexual assault services should call 567.259.9501.

Evans said trained advocates would staff the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When a call comes in, advocates will determine what services the person needs and make referrals as needed.

“One of my advocates will assess the situation, as far as what services (callers) need,” Evans explained. “If they need something that is for the court or legal, we would send them to Christina Eversole at Van Wert County Crime Victims Services; if they need therapy services, we would get them hooked up with Laurel Neufeld Weaver at Crime Victims Services in Lima.”

Those who just need someone to talk to or provide support can talk to a YWCA advocate. “We want to provide that for them,” Evans said.

More than 40 people attended the human trafficking workshop, including law enforcement, hospital and social service representatives.

Evans said that, while human trafficking seems to be something that would not be found in an area such as northwest Ohio, that, unfortunately, isn’t the case.

“It’s happening in Van Wert, it’s happening in Lima, it’s happening in the surrounding area,” she said. “I don’t think it’s new, but we’re just recognizing it now.”

Those who would like more information on YWCA programming, including its transitional housing, domestic violence and rape services, can call Evans at 419.238.6639.