FOCUS Sexual assault reports have increased

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
“One thing we are seeing a huge jump in … is the reporting of sexual assaults,” said Stacie Hoxie, director of FOCUS. “I think a lot of it has to do with COVID-19. More people had to stay with their abuser more.” 
As is customary, Hoxie attended the Feb. 2 meeting of the board of Weston County Commissioners where she shared the total service numbers for the Foundation of Caring, Understanding and Services, or FOCUS, during 2020. The agency provides advocacy for victims of various crimes, providing assistance and guidance when needed. 
According to information provided by Hoxie, a total of 11 child sexual assaults and five adult sexual assaults were reported in Weston County during 2020. During this same time, she said, one rape was reported. 
The perpetrators of these assaults, Hoxie said, were more often than not individuals close to the victim, such as parents, stepparents, uncles or family friends.
Sexual assault, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, includes a wide range of sexually based assaults, either physical or verbal. These assaults are separate from rape and attempted rape. 
The increase in reports in 2020, up from two total reported sexual assaults in 2019, Hoxie said, is not due to an increase in the crime being committed but an increase in awareness and reporting. 
“These people knew where to go,” said Hoxie, who added that if someone reaches out to you to report that they are being sexually assaulted, you should listen and report the disclosure. 
Due to the increase in reporting and the continued need of sexual assault education for community members, despite COVID-19, Hoxie told the commissioners that she is putting together a webinar or online learning opportunity for students and staff at local schools, which can also be shared with the community. 
“We need to get more education out there. We need to let people know what they can do and who they can go to,” Hoxie said. “If someone comes to you, you need to know to take them seriously. Our children are very important; making sure they are healthy and safe needs to be number one.” 
Sexual assaults are not the only crime FOCUS responds to, according to Hoxie. In addition to the 17 sexually based offenses, FOCUS aided the victims in six physical assaults, five burglaries, two child abuse situations, 39 domestic violence calls, five DUIs, one case of elder abuse, 17 different financial crimes, five cases of stalking, 15 cases of property destruction, six vehicle thefts, two cases of reckless endangerment, three aggravated assaults, five situations involving a breach of peace and one case of animal cruelty. 
In total, Hoxie reported service to 117 clients in Weston County — 96 females and 21 males. Serving these clients resulted in a total of 811 services provided by the agency. 
“Services are cumulative because one person just doesn’t come in once. Every time they come in, we count the service we give them,” she said. 
FOCUS provided the following services: 153 times, information or referrals; 206 situations, personal advocacy or court accompaniment; 226 times,  emotional support or safety services; 53 situations,  shelter or emergency financial assistance; and 173 times,  criminal or civil justice assistance.