Tree planted in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness Month

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Because most of Fayette County’s police agencies have special detectives assigned to investigate sex crimes, victims of sexual assault here get a higher level of service, according to Jennifer Bivins, executive director of the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center.

Those detectives have specialized training which helps them more effectively collect evidence and handle those cases, she said. Other areas aren’t as lucky because sometime patrol officers have more of an active role in cases and they don’t have the specialized training for sexual assault cases, Bivins added.

Bivins presented green ribbon pins to law enforcement officers and court officials Thursday as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. She thanked them for investigating and prosecuting cases and helping victims through the court process.

“The most important thing is the victims want to make sure they are heard,” Bivins said. “You give them the support and services they need.”

Police officers usually have the first contact with victims of sexual assault, so they play an important role, Bivins said. Although the agency gets referrals from detectives at Fayette law enforcement agencies, she hopes to have more uniformed officers involved in the process.

The Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center offers a variety of services for victims including a 24-hour crisis line: 770-477-2177.

The center also offers individual and group counseling, court advocacy and hospital visits for victims. The center’s staff also provide education programs to groups such as schools and churches.