June 2017 Newsletter

VOICe has a new look! Don't worry, we still offer the same free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes.

For more information about VOICe's services, please call our 24-hour hotline at 1.800.400.8551, or visit our website .


Crosby Trial

This month, comedian Bill Cosby will stand trail for aggravated indecent assault of a woman in his Montgomery County home more than a decade ago. The victim alleges that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her in January 2004.

General facts about sexual assault, delayed reporting, and the impact of trauma:
  • Nearly 1 in 5 women in the US have experienced rape or attempted rape at some point in their lives
  • The majority of sexual violence is committed by people survivors know and trust. People who commit acts of sexual violence sometimes abuse celebrity or authority status and the illusion of trust that comes with it
  • Approximately half of sexual violence cases involve alcohol consumption, often exacerbating existing risk factors
  • Perpetrators use intoxicants strategically to increase vulnerability, decrease the likelihood of coming forward, lower their own inhibitions, and/or as a social insurance policy to ensure others excuse their actions
  • Although a woman's alcohol consumption may place her at increased risk of sexual assault, she is in no way responsible for the assault. The perpetrators are legally and morally responsible for their behavior
  • The majority of sexual assaults, an estimated 63%, are never reported to the police
  • When intoxicants are used as part of the assault, gaps in memory and fears of how others may react to learning about the use of drugs and alcohol can compound feelings of shame, self-blame, and silence
  • A large body of research on traumatic memory shows that the brain processes sensory information very differently during a traumatic event than during normal, non-threatening events. It is normal for victims of sexual assault, veterans of war, police who have been in the line of fire, victims of car accidents, and others who have experienced traumatic events to have difficulty recalling details. As such, inconsistent statements are common and should be expected to be made by survivors
Prosecutors closed their case Friday, June 9th with Cosby's own admission that in years past, he got powerful sedatives to give to women with whom he hoped to have sexual encounters. Cosby's lawyers are set to begin presenting evidence Monday, June 12th. 
Take the Father's Day Pledge

Join us in saying "NO MORE" to domestic violence and sexual assault. Take the pledge.

The Father's Day Pledge PA is part of a statewide campaign in the movement to end gender violence. It has become an annual opportunity to engage more men as part of the solution - being role models, talking to our sons as well as our daughters, about healthy relationships, and actively making it safe for victims to get help. It is on all of us to prevent these crimes from happening in the first place. When you sign, your name will be added to the growing list of supporters in PA.

I will work to end gender violence and pledge to:
  • Not use violence of any form in my relationships
  • Speak up if another man is abusing his partner or is disrespectful or abusive to women and girls. I will not remain silent.
  • Be an ally to women who are working to end all forms of gender violence.
  • Mentor and teach boys about how to be men in ways that don't involve degrading or abusing girls and women. I will lead by example.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. By learning common red flags of elder abuse, you could help someone in need. Red flags can include:
  • Unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or more serious injuries
  • Weight loss due to malnutrition or neglect
  • Indoor isolation
  • Constant nervousness and withdraw from socialization
  • Excess embarrassment and depression
  • Sudden bank account closings or withdrawals
Why Victim's Don't Just "Fight Back"

Many of us may have heard of the "fight or flight" response which describes the automatic reactions to fight an attacker or run away from an attacker in order to protect yourself. Recently, there has been more and more studies done on a third response: freeze.

A startling new Swedish study shows just how "normal" it is for victims of sexual assault to experience a temporary paralysis that keeps them from fighting back or screaming. Seventy percent of the women in the study said they experienced significant "tonic immobility," or involuntary paralysis, during the attack."

Learn more 
Make a Difference
Volunteer at VOICe

There is only so much our staff can do without help from dedicated, compassionate members of the community such as yourself.

Every hour you can give, and every task you can help us complete, helps survivors in Butler County. No matter how big or how small your actions, YOU make the difference.


Learn more
Join Our Board

VOICe is looking for local residents interested in shaping the social change of our community. The agency operates with several standing committees. Each committee is an integral part of agency operations and is in need of talented members like you!

Learn more

    Victim Outreach Intervention Center  
111 South Cliff Street, Suite 1A
   Butler, PA 16001  
  Butler Office: 724.283.8700 
    Outreach Office: 724.776.5910 
    24-Hour Hotline: 1.800.400.8551