The CPN House of Hope offers free community assistance programs in the areas surrounding the tribal headquarters which focus on child abuse, sexual assault, and other domestic violence issues. For the month of April, the family violence program will focus on Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a nationally recognized initiative.
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, which promotes Sexual Assault Awareness Month, is the largest organization dedicated to anti-sexual violence. Their goal is to put a stop to sexual assault, which according to their website www.rainn.org, occurs once every two minutes in America.
“That’s a startling statistic and one of the many reasons why we want to get the word out that the House of Hope is here to help,” said Amanda Chapman, Prevention Coordinator for HOH. “This is not just a problem in Oklahoma, this a national issue that must be addressed.”
Staff at HOH will work alongside the Pottawatomie and Lincoln County Coordinated Community Response Team as well. The groups partner throughout the year to prevent domestic violence in Pottawatomie and Lincoln counties in central Oklahoma.
The two programs will also hold their annual “Sexual Assault Advocate and Law Enforcement Awards,” which recognizes individuals who make an effort to help those affected by sexual assault. This year’s event will take place at 10 a.m. on April 10 in Chandler, Okla. at the Lincoln County Courthouse and is open to the public.
The House of Hope encourages anyone in this type of situation, or who may know someone who is, to contact them or another program that can assist them.
“Our job is to show people that find themselves in these situations that there is hope and there is help,” explained Chapman. “We provide services that raise awareness and educate our community that sexual assault is an occurring problem and we are here to help prevent it.”
House of Hope will advertise the issue through their Facebook page, Citizen Potawatomi Nation Family Violence Program, in addition to running public service announcements on KGFF radio.
To learn more about FireLodge Children and Family Services, House of Hope and the CPN Domestic Violence Program, please visit their website or call 405-275-3176. For those in need of an advocate outside normal business hours, please call the CPN Police Department at 405-878-4818.