We are here for you! (828) United Way Building 50 S. French Broad Ave. Asheville, NC 28801

OUR Mission In the pursuit of a community that is free of sexual violence, we serve all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault and abuse, through counseling, advocacy and education.

OUR Focus Victims of Sexual Violence Communities Friends of the victim Families of the Victim

OUR Philosophy All reports are taken seriously and believed. All services are free of charge. Our Voice believes that victims of sexual violence should not have to pay for the services they need as a result of being victimized. All information received from clients is strictly CONFIDENTIAL! (except in cases of child abuse, or when clients are a danger to self or others) Our Voice offers information and support to clients. We inform clients of their options and alternatives. We do not make decisions for them. We are dedicated to providing a safe, accessible environment for healing.

OUR Services 24 hour crisis line Consultant services Conference speakers In-service training for professionals Community education programs focusing on awareness and prevention for all age groups Information and referrals Accompaniment to medical services, law enforcement interviews and court proceedings Individual and group counseling Case management

OUR Staff 7 Paid StaffOver 30 volunteers Victim advocate Qualifications of a Victim Advocate: Understanding of sexual violence Ability and willingness to listen and communicate with victims of sexual violence Evidence of good judgment in every day relations with others Ability to show concern and empathy for victims Reliability and responsibility Ability to manage emotions and reactions to victims' stories Patience with others and in difficult situations Ability to work with diverse populations

Education Middle School Programs Childrens & Seniors Classes Male Victims of Sexual Assault Socialization and Male Violence Against Women Training of Trainers Programs for Professionals Self-Protection Programs High School Programs

Why Our Voice is important in our community Less than 1 of 3 rapes are reported to law enforcement. One rape happens every 3 hours, 52 minutes in North Carolina. Each year, an estimated 500,000 women are the victims of some type of sexual assault. 1 out of 4 rapes occur in the victims home. 1/3 of all rape victims will develop Rape- Related Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder 86% of victims know their assailant More than 90% of people with developmental disabilities will experience sexual abuse within their lives. 75% of date rapes involved alcohol or drug use

Why we need the United Ways Help! We are meeting basic needs We are a vital part of this community We have helped over 12, 000 victims this year alone We are promoting health and quality of life We are nurturing children & families We have had over 20,000 calls to our 24-hr. hotline We need your assistance with funding our program, so we may remain available for all of the victims of sexual violence.

OUR Works Cited "Our VOICE." Our VOICE. 28 Aug Oct. 2008,. Fairstein, Linda. "The surprising thing that can lead to rape: when you're out partying, it's easy to cop a totally carefree attitude. Linda Fairstein, former head of New York City's Sex Crimes Prosecution Unit, explains why you need to be on guard." Cosmopolitan (August 2005): 136(4). General Reference Center Gold. Gale. NC WiseOwl Thomson Gale PowerSearch. 15 Dec Fairstein, Linda. "Rape danger time: from the files of Linda Fairstein. There's a time of night that sexual predators favor, but it's not just the hours on the clock. It's also a set of circumstances that converge to make you vulnerable to attack. Former Manhattan sex-crimes prosecutor Linda Fairstein explains." Cosmopolitan (May 2006): 220(4). General Reference Center Gold. Gale. NC WiseOwl Thomson Gale PowerSearch. 15 Dec