Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness about sexual violence and help educate the public about preventing sexual assault. According to the National Institute for Justice, most victims of sexual assault know their offender, and a majority of assaults go unreported every year. …
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in an effort to raise awareness about sexual violence and help educate the public about preventing sexual assault. According to the National Institute for Justice, most victims of sexual assault know their offender, and a majority of assaults go unreported every year. Even more alarming, statistics show that nearly one in five women in Oklahoma are victims of sexual assault. If you have been the victim of sexual assault in Oklahoma, consult our reputable attorneys at Oklahoma Legal Center for legal help.
What Constitutes Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault and abuse includes any form of non-consensual sexual activity, and can be visual, verbal, or any act that forces unwanted sexual attention or contact. Unfortunately, either because of fear or stigmas surrounding sexual violence, assaults often go unreported and many victims suffer alone without ever seeking assistance. In an effort to prevent sexual assault and offer support to victims of sexual violence, the victim services unit in Pruitt’s office administers funding and certification for the 29 sexual and domestic violence programs state-wide. It also provides training for prosecutors, law enforcement and shelter workers.
OK Residents Awarded for Advocacy Work
In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Scott Pruitt held a press conference on April 8, and honored two Oklahomans for their work in helping victims of sexual assault throughout the state. Bob Funk, Jr, the owner of the Oklahoma City Barons hockey team, was awarded the Visionary Voice award for his advocacy work, and Deana Franke received the inaugural Deana Franke Moving Upstream Award for her work as a longtime director of a crisis intervention program dedicated to end child abuse, sexual assault and family violence.
Contact Our Reputable Lawyers Today
Not only can sexual assault result in physical harm to the victim, but many victims of sexual violence experience additional emotional effects following the traumatic event, including anger, shame, depression and anxiety. If you have been a victim of sexual assault anywhere in Oklahoma, contact our knowledgeable lawyers at Oklahoma Legal Center today to discuss your legal options. You may have grounds to file a personal injury claim against the person or people who perpetrated the assault against you, in order to pursue financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and pain and suffering. Don’t allow your sexual assault to go unreported; consult our compassionate legal team for help.