FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (EASTON, MD – MARCH 30, 2020)
CONTACT: BETH ANNE LANGRELL, 410-822-1018

     April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and For All Seasons will be raising public awareness about sexual violence and educating communities on how to prevent it. Sexual violence happens in all communities. With the impacts of COVID-19, including social distancing, the rise of unemployment, and individuals stuck in their homes – the number of domestic violence incidents and sexual assaults is on the rise. Over the past two weeks, For All Seasons Rape Crisis advocates have seen a 100% increase in their visits with sexual assault survivors at local emergency rooms. Three out of four of these survivors knew their perpetrator. Agency advocates have also been helping several sexual assault survivors find shelter, and at this time domestic violence shelters in the region remain operational.

     For All Seasons, which is the only Rape Crisis Center on the Mid Shore, serving Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne, and Talbot counties. For All Seasons Rape Crisis Center offers certified sexual assault victim advocates, counseling and support groups, free and confidential services in English and Spanish, support in the hospital, police department, and court, and referrals to social and legal services.

     One important project of our agency is creating “Comfort Kits” – as a way for For All Seasons Victim Advocates to bring comfort on every call to the hospital to support a victim of rape, sexual assault, abuse, or a traumatic experience. Because a victim’s clothing often needs to be left behind as evidence, each “Comfort Kit” includes a nice travel bag, basic clothing, footwear, and undergarments, personal hygiene items, a journal, and other items to return dignity, provide comfort and let them know someone cares. Any business that wishes to support the “Comfort Kits” should contact Stella Lee Coulbourne, For All Seasons Director of Sexual Assault Programming, at 410-822-1018.