Answering the call of a dramatic increase in sex crimes in recent years, the Sexual Assault *Abuse Services has been there to offer support for victims of such crimes in DeKalb County.

There was a 20 percent increase in rapes, and more than a 33 percent increase in sexual assaults nationwide in 1999, according to http://www.ncvc.org/stats.

Whenever someone is the victim of a violent sexual crime, they often need someone to talk to and give them support.

In DeKalb, the SA*AS has been offering its help and support for 25 years.

“We get calls from people who are sexually abused, sexually harrassed, or victims of sexual violence,” said Lynda O’Brien, program supervisor for SA*AS. “It could have been a past issue or something that happened yesterday or today.”

SA*AS is a 24-hour service that provides information, support, recources and advocacy for people who need it.

“We try to make them understand their rights to help them make a more informed decision,” O’Brien said. “It’s normal for people to be afraid when they have a lack of information.”

The service could be over-the-phone or in-person, depending on what the victim chooses is the best way to get help.

Depending on when a person calls, some name and number may have to be left so a certain counselor can call them back.

Every call and service is completely confidential.

“We won’t say who we are unless we are talking to that person who called,” O’Brien said.

The program first began in January 1977.

“In the beginning, it was more along the lines of being a good listener,” O’Brien said. “Now they’re well-trained and have more expertise.”

The counselors are now required to attend a 40 hour training session. But the training doesn’t stop there. They are always expected to be updated on the latest information. Training session usually occur twice a year; once is spring and once in the fall.

The next training session will start April 5 and last two weekends.

“I hope we get a lot of volunteers who are here for the summer and longer,” O’Brien said.

Anyone who needs to utilize the service should call SA*AS at 758-7922.

Even though, the service only handles cases in DeKalb County, most counties have some sort of service that deals with people facing similar problems. To find one close by, call (800) 656-HOPE.

“We encourage anyone out there who needs help to give us a call,” O’Brien said.