Turning Point’s 24/7 hotline at 586-463-6990 offers comprehensive medical forensic exams and emotional support to adults and children who have experienced sexual assault

Media Contact: Barbara Fornasiero, EAFocus Communications; barbara@eafocus.com; 248.260.8466

Mount Clemens, Mich.—November 29, 2021— According to Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), when it comes to sexual assault, eight out of 10 sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the victim, and the number is even higher for children, at 93%. Those numbers take on new meaning at the holiday season, when friends and family gather for what is usually a joyous occasion. Turning Point, an agency whose mission is to provide programs and resources that empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to regain control of their lives, wants victims and survivors of sexual assault to know there are resources available to them, even over the holidays, should an incident occur.

“Unfortunately, the holidays are a common time when individuals find themselves in situations where the people closest to them become perpetrators of sexual assault,” Sharman Davenport, Ph.D., Turning Point President and CEO, said. “That’s an important reason why Turning Point’s Forensic Nurse Examiner Program & First Response Advocacy remain available 24/7 through the holiday season.”

Turning Point’s Forensic Nurse Examiner Program & First Response Advocacy provides comprehensive medical forensic examinations and emotional support to adults and children who have experienced sexual assault. Advocates can speak with survivors confidentially and services are available immediately with a call to the 24-hour hotline at 586-463-6990. The hotline is also available for anyone to call with questions or concerns, including law enforcement and medical professionals.

“While it can be understandably difficult for survivors to seek help, it’s important to do so as soon as possible,” Davenport said, “because certain medication needs to be started within 72 hours following an assault, and evidence collection is most effective within 120 hours (five days) of an assault.”

Further, RAINN notes that DNA evidence can increase the likelihood of holding a perpetrator accountable. Turning Point, which serves Macomb and St. Clair Counties at confidential sites, also welcomes loved ones accompanying survivors to receive support.

“Individuals close to those directly impacted by sexual assault may also need to talk to a Turning Point professional and we offer that service,” Davenport said. “In general, we urge people to keep a close eye on loved ones and friends this holiday season. If someone needs help, Turning Point is ready to assist.”

About Turning Point 
Turning Point provides comprehensive, free, and confidential programs for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, their loved ones, and the community. Services include a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy/counseling, personal protection order assistance, legal advocacy, forensic nurse exams, first response advocacy, prevention, and community education. Second Hand Rose, another Turning Point service, provides survivors with gently used items while providing an opportunity for the community to donate and shop. Serving Metro Detroit for 41 years, Turning Point has helped over 100,000 survivors. Visit www.turningpointmacomb.org for more information.

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