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JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Sexual harassment, assault, and abuse can happen anywhere, including in online spaces

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Jamestown Safe Shelter is helping spread more information regarding sexual assault and their prevention efforts.

Mary Thysell is the Sexual Assault Services Coordinator for Safe Shelter.

In the most recent data from the North Dakota Council on Abused Women’s Services (CAWS), there were 1,086 primary victims of sexual assault and 262 secondary victims. 838 of these victims were female. Only 36% of these crimes were reported to law enforcement.

Thysell says in Jamestown, there were 18 reported sexual assault cases, but adds there could be more that go unreported.

In a move to stop sexual assault from happening, Thysell says they have formed a coalition to encourage advocacy and prevention.

Recently, the city of Jamestown proclaimed the month of April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a move that shows support to victims and the mission of the Jamestown Safe Shelter.

If you or someone you know is the victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, you’re encouraged to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Locally, the Jamestown Safe Shelter provides a 24/7 hotline at 701-251-2300. You can also visit safeshelterjamestown.org for more information.

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