Dane County is home to the nation's fourth oldest service organization that assists people who've suffered sexual violence.
“Sexual violence is everywhere,” says Dana Pellenbon, Executive Director of the RCC, also known as the Sexual Violence Resource Center, which is 53 years old. The services the organization provides are free to those who need them. Those suffering could be the disabled, young adults or men and women of almost any age. Pellenbon says law enforcement estimates show something like 975 of every 1,000 perpetrators “walk free.”
Pellenbon defines harassment as any form of unwanted sexual conduct. She says when somebody asserts that a sexual crime has occurred, we should believe her or him. She cites the U.S. Justice Department that estimates that false reporting is only 2-8% of cases.
The RCC works with people to help them heal, as well as to instill a sense of assertiveness and skills training to avoid sexual violence. 