New resource for abuse victims

The year was 1970 and, with the help of a federal grant, the first Suicide/Crisis Hotline opened in the Randolph County area. While the exact number of individuals who were assisted through this program is not known, the number of suicides reduced drastically.

But while times have changed and the use of the 24-hour hotlines decreased, sexual abuse and assault has continued and returned to the forefront through the #MeToo and "Time's Up" movements on social media.

Locally, victims of sexual abuse and assault have a new channel for help, as Call For Help in the Metro East is expanding its services to Randolph and Monroe counties. Melissa Tutterow, director of development and communication for the agency, said federal and state grants along with private donations and have allowed them to open an office at 219A W. Mill St. in Waterloo. Traci James heads up the office as an advocate for the sexual assault victims care.

James said their mission is simple: They want to end sexual violence and alleviate suffering of sexual assault victims by providing support through counseling, advocacy, and community prevention services.

All services at Call For Help are free and confidential, the only exceptions being when child abuse, elder abuse, or imminent harm is involved, which they are mandated to report these by law, according to James. All services are provided by trained staff and interns, and all survivors of sexual assault receive counsel and medical advocacy to move past their assault. Medical advocates are on call 24 hours to provide in-person crisis support for survivors in local hospitals.

Call For Help also stands with survivors throughout the legal procedures, helping to navigate the criminal justice process as well as discuss alternatives to the criminal justice system, including civil remedies, James said. They stand with all survivors whether or not they report the crime to law enforcement and will help communicate with local police and the state's attorney's office. They can also assist in filing a petition for protective orders against the person who has harmed them.

James and Angela Berry, a child and adult counselor, recently addressed the Chester City Council, Mayor Tom Page, and Police Chief Ryan Coffey about the program. They also have been in contact with Randolph County Sheriff Shannon Wolff, State's Attorney Jeremy Walker, and the Board of Commissioners.

They want the people in the area to learn more about what they have to offer and plan on holding a Call For Help awareness rally from 3-5 p.m. April 17 at the Brockmeyer Memorial Park. More information about that program will be forthcoming.

James is excited about meeting more people in Chester and also said Call For Help will be presenting "Walk A Mile in Her Shoes" at Lindenwood University-Belleville on April 28. The fundraising event raised more than $10,000 last year. Men are asked to come and walk one mile wearing ladies high-heel shoes. This serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness on the issue of gender-based violence.

James may be reached at the Call For Help Waterloo office at (618) 939-0115. Anyone needing their assistance may always use the Call For Help 24 hour Crisis Hotline number at (618) 397-0975 or www.callforhelpinc.org.