Welcome to OASIS. OASIS stands for Outreach and Advocacy to Survivors of Incest and Sexual Assault. This program is designed to provide support to survivors in our community. We offer a wide variety of services such as support groups, individual support, accompaniment, emergency shelter, information and referrals.
Why should you call?
- To take back your power by telling your story.
- To meet others who have survived sexual assault.
- To learn better coping skills.
- To get rid of unnecessary baggage, such as guilt and shame.
- To grow.
Did you know. . .
- 80% of all sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows.
- Men, women, and children can be victims of sexual assault.
- 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be assaulted by age 18.
- No one has the right to force you to have sex, whether it is through threats or physical violence to you, your property, or another person.
- Sexual assault, rape, and incest happen right here in our own community.
- You have the right to control your own body and to make your own decisions about having sex. You do not lose that right if you marry.
- If you or a loved one is a survivor of sexual assault, OASIS is available to help you.
Personal Account
I was only 5 when I moved to Front Royal. My father had been sneaking into my room as long as I could remember. I didn't tell because he said I'd be in big trouble. The abuse continued until I moved out of the house at age 17. I'm 47 now with my own grown children. I still have the nightmares and flashbacks from it all, but I know how to deal with it now. OASIS has helped me to work through a lot of "stuff" in my life that I didn't think I was able to. It has taken a long time but it is worth it, I am worth it.
Sexual Assault & Rape
Sexual Assault is an act of violence played out through an act of sex. It is a crime motivated by a desire for power and control over another person.
Sexual assault knows no boundaries. Rape and sexual assault are not just a woman's problem. Sexual assault happens everyday to women, men, and children of all ages.
Common Reactions to Sexual Assault Include:
- Shock
- Numbness
- Loss of control
- Disorientation
- Helplessness
- Sense of vulnerability
- Fear
- Self-blame/guilt for "allowing" the crime to happen
- Feeling that these reactions are a sign of weakness
If You Are Raped
- Get to a safe area as soon as possible.
- Call for help. If you cannot call the police or a rape crisis center yourself have someone call for you as soon as possible.
- Getting medical help is a necessity. Even if you do not prosecute you need to be seen by a doctor who can check for injuries. Sometimes injuries are not always apparent immediately. Antibiotic therapy is often started as soon as possible to lessen the likelihood of disease.
- Do not change your clothes (especially if you think you might file charges). Don't comb your hair, shower, use the bathroom (if possible) or change anything about yourself, until after you've had an examination by a doctor. Valuable evidence can be destroyed even by something as simple as drinking water or going to the bathroom.
- If you are in the Front Royal, Warren County area, call OASIS at Harmony Place.
- Seek emotional support. Remember, the assault was not your fault.
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