"WomenSource" Brown Bag Lunch aids Rape Response

GAINESVILLE – When a woman is the victim of rape or sexual assault and needs to go to the hospital as a result, authorities usually confiscate her clothing as forensic evidence. When that happens enter “Rape Response”, a local victim services organization.

They provide immediate and short-term help for sexual assault victims, such as clothing and advocacy, to both men and women.

Last year Rape Response served over 450 victims.

Today Rape Response would be the beneficiary of the Brown Bag Lunch, a monthly gathering sponsored by “WomenSource”, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping local women connect with professional resources of practical help.

Thursday’s Brown Bag Lunch was held at the Frances Meadows Aquatic Center.

In attendance were over 125 women from various walks-of-life who would hear on the topic “Women: Keeping Yourself and Your Family Safe”. Guest lecturer for the function was Joe Amerling, Senior City Investigator for the Gainesville/Hall County Gang Task Force.

As a result of the luncheon over $400 of support was raised for Rape Response.

Executive Director of Rape Response Jeanne Buffington said, “If the hospital calls us we will meet with the victim at the ER and begin our help.” She added that Rape Response has trained volunteers who answer a 24-hour crisis line.

AMERLING SAYS, “DON’T BE AFRAID TO CALL FOR HELP.”

Guest speaker Joe Amerling of the Gainesville Police Department began by reminding everyone that “911” is a toll free telephone call.

“If something that you are observing doesn’t fit the situation, call the police”, encouraged Amerling.

He spoke on a myriad of issues regarding family safety, all of which, he said, are common sense based.

He did spend extra time addressing the drug problem that he has seen permeating the local schools: the abuse of over-the-counter and family member’s prescription drugs.

He has heard teens say that using medications that they obtained at home isn’t wrong because the drugs themselves are not illegal. He exhorted parents to be especially alert for such situations.









Link: Rape Response Website