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In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Wilmington Police Department’s Victim Services Unit is continuing its efforts to get the word out about resources for victims and survivors.
 
According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) “is a campaign to raise public awareness about sexual violence and educate communities on how to prevent it.” The theme of the campaign, “I Ask,” emphasizes and champions that asking for consent is “a healthy, normal, and necessary part of everyday interactions.”
 
“Our unit works throughout the year to support those affected by crime, and we observe Sexual Assault Awareness Month to recognize victims of sexual violence and to share information and resources,” said Stephanie Hamilton, WPD Victim Services Supervisor. “We want to ensure that victims receive this message: they are believed, and they are supported every step of the way.”
 
The Victim Services Unit will also join partners across Delaware and throughout the country in recognizing Crime Victims’ Rights Week during the week of April 19.
 
Hamilton added, “We strive to support victims throughout the entire process – from the patrol officers who respond to a call for service, to the detectives who investigate a sexual assault, to the support and referral services of the Victim Services Unit.”
 
Chief Robert J. Tracy emphasized the importance of spreading awareness of the many resources available to victims and survivors.
 
“The WPD Victims Services Unit is a key component of our department’s support of those impacted by crime, and these professionals work tirelessly to support victims,” said Chief Tracy. “Sexual Assault Awareness Month is an important annual campaign with a critical message – and it is a great way to tell even more people about the resources that are available.”
 
Throughout the month of April, the WPD Victim Services Unit will be participating in programs to support and honor victims and to raise awareness, and the WPD will be sharing messages on Facebook (@Wilmington Police) and Twitter (@WPDPIO).
 
To learn more about the WPD Victim Services Unit and to seek assistance, call (302) 576-3622 or visit www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/department-of-police/victim-services.
 
To learn more about the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, visit www.nsvrc.org.