April 2022

The challenges of the past couple years have caused many organizations worldwide to reflect on their mission and purpose. The Julian Center is no exception. While navigating these unprecedented times, our staff and volunteers have been delivering our mission to the survivors we serve by honing our focus on our primary purposes: emergency shelter, advocacy, empowerment programming, and youth enrichment programming. As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission of bringing safety, security and empowerment to survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Thank you for all that you do to support the important work of The Julian Center.

Sincerely,

Jeff Brown  

Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Know the warning signs of sexual assault in kids and teens

According to RAINN, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. With alarming statistics like that, it’s important to recognize when someone we care about could be in danger. But the warning signs aren’t always obvious. Read on to learn the signs to look for so you know when to act.

Warning Signs for Young Children

Some sexual assault warning signs in children are easier to spot than others. Perpetrators often go to great lengths to try to hide their actions, so trust your instincts. If you feel like something isn’t right, watch for signs of abuse and talk to the child in an age-appropriate way.

Warning signs:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding or bruising
• Not wanting to be left alone with certain people 
• Regressive behaviors, such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting
• Sexual behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age
• Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe
• Change in eating habits, mood or personality
• Loss or decrease in interest in school, activities, and friends
• Nightmares or fear of being alone at night
• Self-harming behaviors  

For a more complete list of sexual assault warning signs in children and signs that an adult may be hurting a child, visit the RAINN website.

Warning Signs for Teens

According to RAINN, the highest risk of sexual violence is against those ages 12-34, with females ages 16-19 being four times more likely to be victimized than the general population. Many of the warning signs for teens can easily be mistaken for the everyday struggles teens face, therefore it’s important to trust your gut if something feels off. Talk to the teen, remind them that you are available to talk and that if an assault did happen, it’s not their fault.

Warning signs:

• Unusual weight gain or weight loss
• Signs of physical abuse
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or other genital infections
• Signs of depression, anxiety, or worry
• Falling grades
• Paying less attention to hygiene, appearance, or fashion than usual
• Self-harming or suicidal behavior
• Drinking or drug use

For a more complete list of sexual assault warning signs in teenagers, visit the RAINN website.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you or someone you care about is in abusive relationship, please call our 24-hour crisis line at 317.920.9320 to chat with an advocate about your situation and options. 

Source: RAINN

3,117

PEOPLE SERVED IN 2021

20,839

NIGHTS OF EMERGENCY SHELTER PROVIDED IN 2021

12,387

CRISIS LINE CALLS IN 2021

The Butler University chapter of Alpha Chi Omega has been partnering with The Julian Center for 20 years now as they work towards their national philanthropy’s goal of raising awareness about domestic violence. Alpha Chi Omega adopted their national philanthropy, Domestic Violence Awareness, in 1992. Not only are these women raising funds throughout the year, but they are volunteering and donating their time and talent to The Julian Center. Between volunteering in our after school programs, working with residents on their resumes, and even starting a weekly dance class at the shelter, these women are truly dedicated to empowering survivors. We are humbled by their readiness to jump in when volunteering and their dedication to planning countless fundraising and awareness events on Butler’s campus each year. To see each new class of women equally as excited to join us at The Julian Center shows the organization’s dedication to teaching their members about the importance of what we do.