BURLINGTON, Vt. -
HOPE Works, a Burlington-based group that helps sexual violence survivors, says it has seen a big increase in people asking for help.
"We had a 60-percent increase in the number of survivors using our services," says Cathleen Wilson, HOPE Works Executive Director.
Staff members say they don't think it's because more people are becoming victims but rather more people are looking for help.
One way they find it is through an online "Chat Line" that started in November. People who have experience sexual violence can anonymously ask questions of HOPE Works staff and volunteers.
"Anything ranging from help with restraining orders or even just support groups," says Annie Mientka, HOPE Works volunteer.
With the big increase, HOPE Works wants to expand its support groups and chat line to help survivors. In the last year, Wilson says her group helped 686 survivors.
"Sexual violence is a crime that is incredibly isolating for the victim," says Wilson.
That's why Wilson says it's good more people are reaching out. But to handle the increase, Wilson wants to expand their services including the chat line and add more staff.
While that will take more money, Wilson says it's something that will benefit victims and the community.
"The more that survivors are coming out and telling their stories and talking about it the easier it is for us to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes," says Wilson.
The group is planning a new fundraiser for Saturday called the "Stiletto Walk."
Registration is at 3:00pm and the event starts at 4:00pm. It's about a half-mile walk on Church Street.
Though don't worry, you can choose whatever shoes you'd like and head to outside City Hall in Burlington.
