by Tom Galaraga
Managing Editor
A women is raped every two minutes in the United States, leaving her emotionally drained and distraught. But victims do not have to be alone.
Project Sister is a sexual assault crisis and prevention service whose mission is “reducing the trauma and incidence of sexual assault in the communities we serve by helping survivors return to healthy, productive lives and educating the communities we serve about the nature and causes of sexual violence.”
“Why are women raped? Why are women beaten? It has to do with gender and socialization,” said Linda Shestock, executive director of Project Sister.
“People get their need for power over people because maybe they were victimized,” Shestock said.
Founded in 1972 by women in Claremont, Project Sister provides victims of sexual assault support and guidance.
“The United States has the world’s highest rape rate of the countries that publish such statistics4 times higher than Germany, 13 times higher than England, and 20 times higher than Japan,” according to a report conducted by the National Victim Center.
Project Sister provides support for these victims through a 24-hour support line for people who have recently or previously been sexually assaulted. Advocates answer these hotlines, and are prepared to answer any questions that a “survivor” may have. As preparation, advocates must first go through 40-hours of training.
Advocates work in three-hour shifts during the day and six-hour shifts at night.
To ensure that victims are able to cope with the emotional stress, Project Sister sends advocates out to meet individually with victims.
Approximately two-thirds of rape victims are assaulted by people they know.
Shestock said that rapists tend to be familiar with their victims, and know exactly how they are vulnerable.
“Rape is not about sexual desire, but more or less about power,” said Shestock. “Rape is present in all ethnic, cultural and economic groups. Nothing is untouched.”
As preventive measures, Project Sister works with local school districts to educate children and teachers alike, about the causes of sexual assault.
“About one-third of our agency is focused on prevention, which means education,” said Shestock. “One out of two sexual assaults occurs with someone under the age of 18.”
Victims of sexual assault are not limited to females. They include males and children as well.
“Most rapes are unreported. The U.S. Justice department estimates that only 26 percent of rapes are reported,” according to www.nancynelson.com.
Project Sister is also dedicated to bringing these criminals to justice, and in doing so, works closely with the Office of Criminal Justice Planning (OCJP). OCJP is also one of their primary sources of funding.
If survivors request it, advocates will also be present at court to provide support.
“What advocates do is make a commitment to be on our 24-hour hotline,” said Theresa Borunda, direct services coordinator.
“I think they are people who care about other people. Some are survivors and use that experience as part of the healing process,” Borunda said.
“Borunda said, “What if it was your friend, what if is was your sister? Then what would you say to them.
