Who’s the Voice? What’s the Hope?

By Mary Reiman

You might think, why should I care? It won’t happen in my house…or on my street…or in my neighborhood. Perhaps you think no one you know has ever experienced relationship violence or sexual assault. 

Are you sure?  It’s not something we talk about in casual conversation. Not often talked about in serious conversations. Not a topic anyone really wants to discuss. 

During my career, I was invited to speak about the importance of books and libraries and reading aloud with children. Everyone remembered their favorite children’s book. Stories and storytelling conjure up pleasant childhood memories. Those make for comfortable conversations.

There aren’t requests to the Speaker’s Bureau for presentations about how someone survived sexual assault, domestic violence, or incest. It’s not a comfortable conversation for a luncheon meeting. 

And yet sexual assaults and domestic violence happen. And it could have happened to any of us. I often think back to my college days. I was 17 years old, off to a college where I knew no one. I will be the first to admit, I was naïve. Mom said I was sheltered, growing up on a farm, in the era before cell phones or social media or any health class discussions about sexual assault or domestic violence. I look back on moments that could have so easily spun out of control and I would not have known who to turn to for support, guidance, kindness and empathy. 

For 47 years there has been a 24/7 crisis line in Lincoln for those who are desperate to hear a voice who cares, who understands, who knows how to help. In January 2007, the Rape/Spouse Abuse Crisis Center officially changed its name to Voices of Hope.  

Yes, we need to be talking about it. We need to be aware of where to find resources and caring individuals who counsel and advocate and provide support for victims of abuse. Those who will meet a victim in the emergency room. Those who offer support groups in safe, confidential, supportive environments. Those who help fill out protection orders and maneuver through the criminal justice system. 

More than 2200 cases were reported to Voices of Hope last year and yet that is a fraction of the number of actual cases. It isn’t just in college. It is in the workplace. It is in homes. Sexual assault and domestic violence permeate our world. 

Today begins an awareness campaign: Who’s the Voice? What’s the Hope? 

In the next few months, you will learn more about the depth and breadth of Voices of Hope by hearing the voices of hospital staff, community members, representatives from organizations who partner with Voices of Hope, as well as staff and survivors. 

Who’s the Voice?  We are. All of us using our voices to raise awareness of the services of Voices of Hope in Lincoln and the surrounding communities. You never know who might need this information.

What’s the Hope?  Scott Young articulates it quite clearly at the end of the video. “Hope of building a safe and positive future.”

Please donate to Voices of Hope on Give to Lincoln Day to support the crisis intervention which offers hope to those in need.  You or those you love may never need these services.  Consider donating as a way of saying thank you to the Voices of Hope staff for always being available to empower those who DO need help, advice, and legal services.

Also, please ‘SHARE’ this post so your friends on Facebook also have the opportunity to learn more about Voices of Hope. 

May we never need the services of Voices of Hope...but may we always support those who do.

Let us be the voices. Let us be the hope.  

https://www.voicesofhopelincoln.org/whos-the-voice.html