JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – At least 50% of women and 30% of men are victims of sexual violence.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan shared the startling statistics on Tuesday to mark Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters acknowledged many survivors are afraid to come forward and report their cases, but he had a strong message for them to help break down the stigma.
Sexual violence can cripple a person and a community emotionally, mentally and physically but on Tuesday dozens at City Hall encouraged survivors to get support and speak out.
Stephanie Patton has been helping survivors of human trafficking and addiction, she is also a survivor of sexual violence.
“I ask you: what does it look like for us as a community to look past a person’s circumstances and see their potential? And I want you to leave here today encouraged, encouraged to see past these circumstances and these situations no matter how bad it looks and have a vision of their potential,” Patton said.
Patton’s words rang true as Roshonda Jackson spoke. She’s a survivor as well.
“At the age of 23, I was snatched out of my car,” Jackson said.
Jackson was overcome with emotion at the thought of the abuse she survived. She gathered herself and finished her personal story.
“I was kidnapped, blindfolded, hog-tied, raped, sodomized and beaten. Blood splashing all over the walls and floors while a 4x4 foot grey...lined with black plastic bags awaited me by someone who said he was the only person who loved me. Not my family, not my friends only him. But guess what? I survived,” she said.
Jackson said it took her years to deal with telling her story publicly but this year she was inspired by other women in leadership, connecting communities and hearing other survivors’ stories, so she decided to speak out.
She’s not alone.
According to Charlie Health, the highest risk years for sexual violence are between ages 12 and 34 and most sexual assault victims personally know their attackers.
Stigma and shame can sometimes stop survivors from speaking out but Waters said his officers are ready to help.
“I would say you do whatever you need to do to feel strong enough to come forward. We have professionals in place to make sure that we listen, we pay attention, and we address the issue the right way, no longer asking intrusive questions. You will get people that will help you work through that process but we are ready, we are willing to listen. Just come forward,” Waters said.
And for other survivors, Jackson also encourages them.
“I want to say to every person who has experienced sexual assault, no matter what anyone says, even if that anyone is your own thoughts, it is not your fault. You are not that situation. You can and you will see and experience a brighter, better future for yourself. And your community will be here to help you there but you’ve got to keep fighting,” Jackson said.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault and needs help, there are local resources: The Women’s Center of Jacksonville helps survivors of sexual violence.