HOUSTON – The Harris County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) has published its first-ever Biennial Report, shedding light on the alarming issue of sexual assault in Houston and Harris County. The report highlights systemic problems and shortcomings within the existing support systems for survivors of sexual assault. According to the Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC), sexual violence has reached a public health crisis level, with the majority of perpetrators being known to their victims. In an effort to address this issue, HAWC has established a hotline to encourage survivors to come forward and receive the services they need.
The report reveals a staggering statistic: at least 4,000 sexual assaults were reported in Harris County in 2021. However, officials emphasize that this number is not an accurate representation due to the significant underreporting of cases. Shockingly, the data suggests that less than 10% of sexual assaults are actually reported. Fear of not being believed, lack of trust in the system, and concerns about their own well-being prevent many survivors from seeking the support they desperately need.
Survivor Marlecia Price shares her frustrations, recounting her personal experiences within the justice system. Price describes the current state of the system as leaving victims vulnerable and unsupported, as if walking exposed down a thorn-lined hallway. However, she remains hopeful that the release of the report will lead to much-needed reform, with a focus on prioritizing victims and creating supportive laws.
The comprehensive report outlines several key components. It includes protocols and agreements among the agencies involved, delineating specific services for sexual assault survivors and defining the roles and responsibilities of each team member. Additionally, it provides a detailed overview of the state of sexual violence in the community and region, backed by statistics from the participating organizations. The report also presents a set of recommendations that will guide the team’s efforts in expanding policies and practices, enhancing the role of rape crisis centers, and establishing specialized units within law enforcement and prosecution offices. Finally, the report advocates for the inclusion of sexual assault information during college orientation programs to raise awareness and promote prevention.
Sonia Corrales, Deputy CEO for HAWC, highlights the urgent need for a cultural shift that places blame on perpetrators rather than victims. Building trust within the community is crucial in encouraging survivors to come forward and ensuring that their voices are heard. The team at HAWC remains dedicated to advocating for victims and empowering survivors as they navigate the complex and often daunting path towards justice.
The numbers surrounding sexual assault are deeply concerning. In the Houston area, 3,779 sexual assaults were reported to law enforcement in Harris County alone in 2021, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Statewide, 14,972 rapes were reported to law enforcement throughout Texas. However, less than 10% of survivors actually report the crime to law enforcement, highlighting the significant issue of underreporting. Shockingly, a 2015 Texas Statewide Prevalence Study on Sexual Assault reveals that 6.3 million women and men, or approximately one-third of adult Texans, have experienced some form of sexual assault in their lifetime.
The issue of sexual assault extends beyond Texas, affecting the entire nation. Disturbingly, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds, with child victims accounting for one assault every 9 minutes. Additionally, a staggering 80% of rapes are committed by someone known to the victim. However, the disheartening reality is that only 3 out of every 100 rapists will spend even a single day in prison for their crimes.
In 2022, the Houston Area Women’s Center has played a pivotal role in supporting survivors. Their Sexual Assault Hotline answered 6,436 calls for help, and they accompanied 311 survivors to the hospital. Furthermore, HAWC provided crucial services to 9,498 sexual assault survivors, including free legal advocacy for 33 individuals.
The release of the Harris County SART Biennial Report marks an important step in addressing the staggering number of unreported sexual assaults in the community. By recognizing the systemic issues and shortfalls that hinder survivors from seeking justice, the report sets the stage for necessary reforms. The focus on empowering survivors, increasing accountability for perpetrators, and expanding support services signals a promising commitment to change.
It is imperative that the community rallies behind these efforts and works collectively to challenge the misconceptions surrounding sexual assault. By advocating for a culture that values and believes survivors, Harris County can take significant strides toward ending the cycle of violence and fostering a more just and supportive system for all.
