NEWS RELEASE
September 30, 1999

Engler Announces Statewide Sexual Assault Help Line

Governor John Engler today announced a statewide, toll-free, 24 hour sexual assault help line will begin service on October 1. The help line is a collaborative effort between the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Family Independence Agency.

"This new hotline will help to assure Michigan's victims of sexual assault that compassionate and effective help is readily available on a statewide basis," said Engler. "The call to 1-877-NO-MEANS-NO will be free from anywhere in the state and will offer immediate, short term crisis intervention, referral to local services, and informational services to individuals affected by sexual assault."

"The purpose of this statewide sexual assault help line is to provide a single point of referral and access to victims with 24-hour crisis-coverage available seven days a week," said Family Independence Agency Director Douglas C. Howard. "In many areas, Michigan is fortunate to have a local sexual assault or rape crisis center, but in those areas that do not have a local program, this new service will help meet the important need."

"A victim of sexual assault may experience shock, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, disturbed sleep, changes in appetite, fear, anger, isolation, or guilt and self-blame," said Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "Victims may develop addictions to cope with the after effects of the assault or as a cry for help. The physical consequences of rape may be pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, or other injury. By providing immediate help to the victims of sexual assault, we can reduce many of these effects."

A 1996 Michigan survey of Violence in the Lives of Michigan Women conducted by the Michigan Department of Community Health documented that 40% of Michigan women have experienced some form of sexual violence, ranging from unwanted touching to forcible rape, since the age of 16.

Mary Keefe, Director of the Michigan Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence welcomed the formation of the new hotline and praised the collaboration between the state departments. "Victims of sexual assault need immediate, highly-trained multi-disciplinary assistance but are often unsure how to obtain the help they need. This collaboration will help to insure that crisis intervention, support services, and health information will be available to victims of sexual assault."

The Michigan Department of Community Health will promote 1-877-NO-MEANS-NO through a targeted radio campaign during the coming year.