Bismarck, ND., Monday, January 29, 2024 – The Abused Adult Resource Center (AARC), a domestic violence and sexual assault victim services agency in Bismarck, ND is reporting a 25% increase in the number of sexual assault victims from 2022 to 2023.
“This increase in sexual violence in our community is very concerning. We must remember that these are just the victims that HAVE reported the incident; so many more victims remain silent. We need to continue to show victims support and remind everyone that it is NEVER the victim’s fault.” Michelle Erickson, Executive Director
The AARC supports clients with 1:1 case management, emergency and transitional shelter, food, personal hygiene, counseling and other services necessary to help the victim and their children with the recovery and healing process.
Serving 1,427 adult clients in 2023 (9% increase), the AARC works with victims of several forms of violence and trauma including domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, dating violence and human trafficking. The AARC also reported a 4% increase in the number of new domestic violence victims and an 8% increase in the number of children sheltered.
The AARC has served a seven-county (Burleigh, Morton, Kidder, Emmons, Sheridan, Grant, Sioux) area, including the Standing Rock Indian Reservation since 1976. Thousands of victims and their children have been assisted over the 47 years, with the agency needs continuing to grow.
Learn more>> www.aarcnd.com