Take a Stand Against Abuse with SARC During Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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This October, local nonprofit seeks to raise awareness of—and funds for—resources for victims and survivors.

 

As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center (SARC) is calling on the community to help raise awareness for a significant concern throughout Maryland: the rising level of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

The need for assistance is dire. Maryland women have the third highest national lifetime prevalence of sexual violence other than rape, impacting 54.9% of the female population in the state (Source: National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey). The latest Uniform Crime Report from the Maryland State Police Department reveals a 53.7% increase in rape from 2014-2015. With such staggering statistics, SARC aims to educate the public and provide free clinical, legal and safehouse services to women, men and children suffering abuse in Harford County.

Ways to Get Involved

  • The Allstate Foundation is running its annual Purple Purse Challenge. By donating at least $10 online, participants are entered to win a purple purse designed exclusively by Serena Williams. Each week offers bonus challenges that provides extra opportunities SARC to win $115,000 in funding. Challenges include increasing social media followers, so helping is as easy as visiting facebook.com/SARCHarfordCounty and clicking “like!”
  • SARC is also hosting Holly’s Hope, a 5K run and 1 mile walk on Saturday, October 14 at the Harford County Equestrian Center. Ethan Brito started the event in 2014 to raise funding and awareness of SARC as a local resource and to honor his Aunt Holly, who was in a wheelchair with a broken leg and sprained ankle when she first came to SARC for help but today is an advocate for the organization.
  • If you believe a friend or a loved one is experiencing abuse, you can help by breaking the silence. Call SARC’s 24-hour helpline at 410-836-8430; access the National Dating Abuse Helpline 24/7 at 1-866-331-997 (or text “loveis” to 77054 to reach a peer counselor); and for teens in crisis, call the Maryland Youth Crisis Hotline at 1-800-422-0009.

Supporting SARC translates to meaningful assistance to victims and survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual violence and stalking in Harford County – SARC is the only organization providing these types of services in the area.

For more information about SARC, contact Kelsey Luchey at 410-836-8431 or at  [email protected]. To register for Holly’s Hope, visit www.sarc-maryland.org and click on the Holly’s Hope icon under “Events.”

About SARC (https://www.sarc-maryland.org/)
Since 1978, SARC (Sexual Assault/Spouse Abuse Resource Center) has provided hope and resources to victims of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, and stalking. Services include a 24-Hour-Helpline, counseling, legal representation, a confidential safe house and community outreach and education. 

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