JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The SAFE Shelter in Jamestown has operated as a resource and haven for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault since 1981.

Sexual Assault Services Coordinator Mary Thysell says every day, hundreds of Americans are affected by sexual violence. She added that its hard to know exactly how many, because a lot go unreported.

Thysell says the moth of April is nationally known as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, so organizations like the safe shelter use this time to promote their services and the many other resources available.

Last week, Jamestown Mayor Dwaine Heinrich issued a proclamation proclaiming April 6th as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Day in the city of Jamestown. Thysell says with this, they’re encouraging everyone to wear the color teal.

There are resources available nationally by calling the hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or online at rainn.org. You can also contact the SAFE Shelter locally anytime at 701-251-2300 or by visiting safeshelterjamestown.org. There are other organizations locally including the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) or any law enforcement agency.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with Mary Thysell below: