Help Prevent Sexual Assault

08/28/15

Help Prevent Sexual Assault

A disturbing trend is taking place in Waushara County and across the State.  Sexual assaults are on the rise, affecting individuals and loved ones of all ages.

In an effort to aid in the prosecution of sexual assault offenders and offenders of other sensitive crimes, the Waushara County Board approved the hiring of an investigator in the District Attorney’s office.  This investigator is a sworn officer who assists with gathering evidence, trial preparation, interviewing witnesses and other duties crucial to the successful prosecution of offenders.

While Waushara County officials have acknowledged that sexual assault is a horrendous crime that needs to be dealt with swiftly and severely, preventing sexual assault is everyone’s responsibility.  See below for ways you can prevent you and your family from being victimized:

1. Adjust privacy settings on all social media sites to an option that limits who can view your information.  This is especially true for children.  Always make sure that all children, including teens and pre-teens, are monitored while using social media and while on the internet.  In addition, use a private internet connection.
2. Refrain from abusing alcohol or mind altering substances.  In many sexual assault cases, alcohol and drugs are involved.
3. Do some research before getting involved in relationships.  Run a search on the National Sex Offender Public Website, a national resource that pulls data from state, territory, and tribal sex offender registries.  Also check for criminal offenses through the Wisconsin Court System’s Circuit Courts Access, Public Records website (CCAP).
4. If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, tell someone.  Talk to a friend, teacher, co-worker, or trusted relative. Get support to make a report to law enforcement.
5. Take action by joining the Sexual Assault Response Team for Green Lake and Waushara counties.  Contact pcrump@co.green-lake.wi.us for more information.

If you someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault and needs assistance, please contact Waushara County Human Services at 920-787-6550.  To report a crime, contact Waushara County Sheriff’s Department at 920-787-3321 or call 911 for any emergencies.  Only together can we take a stand, end sexual assault and make our communities safe for everyone.