Sexual Assault in Your Community
Sexual Assault in Our Community and Missouri
Sexual assault affects every corner of our community, creating ripples that impact individuals, families, and society as a whole. At Lafayette House, we've witnessed both the challenges survivors face and their remarkable strength in healing. Today, we want to share important information about the reality of sexual assault while highlighting the pathways to recovery and healing.
The Reality in Missouri
Here in Missouri, the impact of sexual violence touches every corner of our state. One in three women and one in seven men in our communities have experienced sexual violence during their lifetime. This means that people we know - our neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family members - may be carrying this experience silently.
In 2021 alone, the Missouri State Highway Patrol documented 3,262 cases of sexual assault across our state. These reported cases represent only a fraction of the actual incidents, as many survivors face barriers to reporting. The Missouri criminal justice system handled 413 rape-related arrests and 376 sex offense arrests, showing the ongoing challenge of bringing perpetrators to justice.
Understanding Access to Support
The need for support services in Missouri is significant and growing. In 2019, more than 14,500 survivors sought services related to sexual assault in our state. While over 9,000 people received vital assistance through professional therapy, support groups, court advocacy, and hotline support, nearly 5,500 individuals were unable to access services due to resource limitations. This gap in service availability highlights the crucial need for increased support and funding for survivor services in our communities.
Geographic and Educational Contexts
Sexual violence affects both urban and rural communities in Missouri, though reporting patterns show that 88% of reported assaults occur in metropolitan areas, while 12% are reported in rural regions. This distribution may reflect differences in access to reporting resources rather than actual occurrence rates.
On Missouri college campuses, the impact of sexual violence is particularly concerning. Twenty-two percent of college students report experiencing non-consensual sexual contact in their lifetime, with 35% of these incidents occurring while attending their current college. The majority of these incidents (58%) happen off-campus, while 39% occur on non-university property on campus, emphasizing the need for comprehensive prevention and support strategies that extend beyond campus boundaries.
The Journey of Healing
The impact of sexual assault can be profound and long-lasting. Research shows that 75% of survivors meet PTSD criteria one month after assault, with 54% experiencing PTSD after three months. However, with proper support and care, these numbers decrease significantly over time. At Lafayette House, we understand that healing is possible, and we're here to support survivors through every step of their journey.
Support Makes a Difference
The presence of strong support systems significantly improves long-term outcomes for survivors. Our comprehensive services include 24/7 crisis intervention, individual counseling, support groups, and legal advocacy. We've seen firsthand how access to these services can help survivors:
Maintain employment and educational pursuits
Form healthy relationships
Manage mental health symptoms
Access necessary healthcare
Build resilience and strength
Contact Information:
Crisis Line: 1 (800) 416-1772
Main Office: 1 (417) 782-1772
Main Office Address: 1809 S Connor Ave. Joplin, Missouri 64804
Neosho Office: 417-451-6106
Neosho Office: 118 W. Spring St., Neosho, MO, 64850
Website: https://lafayettehouse.org/
You are not alone. Lafayette House is here 24/7 with confidential support and resources. Healing is possible, and it starts with reaching out.
