Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson said she will not tolerate sexual assaults in the city. Today she brought together law enforcement, rape crisis, victim witness and educators to develop a formal strategy to respond to these egregious acts.
Jennifer Storm of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program
“I wish we lived in a society where we focused more on teaching people not to rape as opposed to teaching women and young children how not to get raped. But unfortunately the statistics are one in four females and one in six males who are victims of sexual assault before the age of 18.”
These and other statistics punctuated the mayor’s news conference where she announced formation of the task force. Membership includes Harrisburg Police, Harrisburg YWCA, Dauphin County Victim/Witness Assistance Program, the Dauphin County District Attorney and Harrisburg Area Community College. Thompson left no doubt this group has her full support.
Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson:
“Criminals who prey on women are just cowards. They are sick-minded individuals. They are predators who are not wanted in our community. And they are of the lowest sort. We will pursue them. We will find them, and we will bring them to justice.”
Much of the work of the task force will be public education and prevention. For instance, telling people to be vigilant, walk with purpose, carry a whistle, if approached scream. One of the most important tips is to trust your instincts.
Jennifer Storm:
“I implore each and every one of you, if you’re walking down the street and you’re in a situation and you got that feeling in your stomach, please trust it and retreat. Remove yourself from the situation, get to a safe location.”
Coordination between law enforcement and providers is good both sides say. But the creation of the task force will create a stronger, more formal working relationship.
Jennifer Storm of the Victim/Witness Assistance Program
“I wish we lived in a society where we focused more on teaching people not to rape as opposed to teaching women and young children how not to get raped. But unfortunately the statistics are one in four females and one in six males who are victims of sexual assault before the age of 18.”
These and other statistics punctuated the mayor’s news conference where she announced formation of the task force. Membership includes Harrisburg Police, Harrisburg YWCA, Dauphin County Victim/Witness Assistance Program, the Dauphin County District Attorney and Harrisburg Area Community College. Thompson left no doubt this group has her full support.
Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson:
“Criminals who prey on women are just cowards. They are sick-minded individuals. They are predators who are not wanted in our community. And they are of the lowest sort. We will pursue them. We will find them, and we will bring them to justice.”
Much of the work of the task force will be public education and prevention. For instance, telling people to be vigilant, walk with purpose, carry a whistle, if approached scream. One of the most important tips is to trust your instincts.
Jennifer Storm:
“I implore each and every one of you, if you’re walking down the street and you’re in a situation and you got that feeling in your stomach, please trust it and retreat. Remove yourself from the situation, get to a safe location.”
Coordination between law enforcement and providers is good both sides say. But the creation of the task force will create a stronger, more formal working relationship.