April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sexual violence is a very serious criminal and public health problem that affects millions of women and men in the United States. In the United States, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 59 men have been raped in their lifetime. The City of Eagle Pass and Maverick County are in no way immune to sexual assaults in the community. An Eagle Pass Business Journal review of both City of Eagle Pass Police Department and Maverick County Sheriff’s Department monthly crime reports found that there were a total of 27 sexual assault cases reported during a 14 months period between January 1, 2014 through March 24, 2015, reflecting a problems in the community concerning this tragic and often deadly criminal offense and public health issue.
A review of the City of Eagle Pass Police Department monthly crime reports during January 1, 2014 through March 24, 2015 found a total of 24 sexual assault cases within the city limits.
The Maverick County Sheriff’s Department monthly arrest logs show that there were 3 sexual assault arrests from January 17, 2014 to April 1, 2015. Two of those arrests were for aggravated sexual assault on a child.
The Maverick County Sheriff’s Department statistics only shows arrests. It is unclear how many complaints there have been of sexual assaults in the Maverick County during the past 14 months as the Sheriff’s Department only reports actual arrests. Maverick County Sheriff Tom Schmerber was unavailable for comment on the subject matter.
Eagle Pass Police Department Chief Alberto Guajardo noted that many sexual assault cases go unreported because often the victims know their aggressors and fear retaliation if they report the violation. Police Chief Guajardo stated that the Eagle Pass Police Department can only investigate cases that are actually reported to them, not unreported incidents. Obviously, the sexual assault problem is much larger in the community than what the monthly reports indicate because many of these sexual assaults go unreported by victims.
Many victims do not disclose sexual violence. Statistics underestimate the problem because many victims do not tell the police, family, or friends about the violence. Sexual violence is any sexual activity where consent is not freely given. This includes completed or attempted penetration of a victim or attempts to make a victim penetrate a perpetrator against the victim’s will or against a victim who is unable to consent.
Sexual violence also includes: Unwanted sexual contact, and Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences (such as verbal sexual harassment) Sexual violence can be committed by anyone: A current or former intimate partner; A family member; A person in position of power or trust; A friend or acquaintance; A stranger, or someone known only by sight.
Sexual violence impacts health in many ways and can lead to long-term physical, psychological, psychiatric, and mental health problems. For example, victims may experience chronic pain, headaches, depression, suicidal ideations, loss of self-esteem, psychological, psychiatric, trauma, and sexually transmitted diseases. They are often fearful or anxious and may have problems trusting others. Anger and stress can lead to eating disorders, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Eagle Pass Police Chief Alberto Guajardo encourages all persons, adults and children, who have been sexually assaulted, stalked, harassed, or threatened to report it immediately to the Eagle Pass Police Department at (830) 773-9044 or to the Maverick County Sheriff’s Department at (830) 773-2321.
If you are or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence: you may also contact the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Get information at RAINN. Contact your local emergency services at 9-1-1.
April is dedicated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Stand up and report all sexual assault or violence cases to your law enforcement authorities. Assistance is available to your or your loved one.
