The following is a statement released by The Second Mile Nov. 28.
Our focus remains on the victims. Children who suffer sexual abuse face unique and formidable challenges, as do their families. The events reported over the past few weeks have saddened and horrified us; we are determined to do all we can to help the survivors with the healing process.
Indeed, our organization is committed to supporting survivors of sexual violence throughout Pennsylvania. In that spirit, we are strongly encouraging our donors to support the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape.
“The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) is the oldest anti-sexual violence coalition in the United States. PCAR works to eliminate all forms of sexual violence and to advocate for the rights and needs of victims of sexual assault; it has done so for more than 36 years. PCAR provides funding, training and support to a statewide network of 51 sexual assault centers who serve victims of all ages and the people who support them in all 67 counties of the Commonwealth. Each year, the 51 sexual assault centers in the
PCAR network provide confidential services, at no charge, to more than 51,500 men, women and children affected by sexual abuse.
Effective immediately, we ask that you join us in this commitment to sexual abuse survivors by sending your donations to PCAR to support sexual abuse prevention and as well as the counseling needs of sexual abuse victims. Donations can be made online at www.pcar.org. You may designate your gift to support ‘victim services’ or ‘prevention.’
At the Second Mile, we are continuing to review options for the next phase of our programs. As we do so, our December programs will continue as scheduled. Just as The Second Mile is making formal reports to the appropriate officials of any child abuse allegations, we encourage all members of the public to report child abuse as well as any relevant information to the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s office, 814-863-1053, or the Pennsylvania State Police, 814-470-2238, or other appropriate authorities.
We also remind you that victim advocates and sexual assault counselors are available to assist any person who has been impacted by sexual assault, regardless of their choice to work with law enforcement.”