Press Conference Set for March 22 on Superior Court Steps in San Luis Obispo
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY – The community is invited to a March 22 press conference to announce Seek Then Speak, a new tool to support sexual assault survivors, is nowavailable as?a free resource in San Luis Obispo County. The press conference will include members of RISE, San Luis Obispo Police, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Poly Police, and Cal Poly Safer and Title IX programs.
Seek Then Speak is part of a new initiative by RISE and its community partners to help sexual assault survivors engage with local support and reporting resources and assist survivors in gathering information, exploring options, and taking actionwhen they’re ready.
The program is available in 60 languages to increase access. Survivors have the choice to begin the process of reporting the crime directly to law enforcement and can request supportive services. The program is designed to help close gaps in service delivery and promote justice and healing.
“We know that survivors of sexual assault experience a whole host of barriers to reporting and seeking help,” said Jennifer Adams, RISE Executive Director. “Seek Then Speak is an alternative, trauma-informed way for survivors to tell their stories. It empowers them to take control of their healing and, when they are ready, choose to access advocacy services or connect with law enforcement.”
Seek Then Speak was developed to help end the silence for sexual assault survivors. Survivors and their supporters connect to Seek Then Speak by web, phone, or mobile app. The program engages them with gradual, supportive dialogue prompts, using an intelligent communication platform. The process helps survivors better understand what happened and explore their options, while remaining anonymous until they choose to make direct contact with law enforcement or victim advocates.
Seek Then Speak works in partnership with an agency platform called Victim Link, which combines technology and education to improve community responses to sexual assault. The programs also coordinate with Start by Believing, the campaign that prepares friends and family members to respond appropriately to a sexual assault disclosure. Together, they offer a two-part solution for responding to sexual assault victims.
Seek Then Speak is available to anyone in San Luis Obispo County by visiting SeekThenSpeak.org, calling 888-865-9863, or downloading the mobile app (Android and iOS).
The press conference is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, at the San Luis Obispo Superior Court steps at 1050 Monterey Street.
ABOUT RISE: RISE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to transform the lives of sexual and intimate partner violence survivors, their families and the community through services and education that promote safety, healing and empowerment. RISE provides the following programs: 24-hour crisis line, case management, restraining order assistance, accompaniment and advocacy, two emergency shelters, individual and group counseling, and prevention education.