“We wanted to bring this training because of the spike in sexual assaults that we’ve been having here,” said Perla Vela of New Horizons Outreach. “We needed to do something about it, and inform not only our communities, but the people who actually get to work with these cases.”
The free training is open to all those who may come in contact with sexual assault victims such as law enforcement, attorneys, ER staff, mental health providers, physicians, advocates, community health workers, school counselors, school district personnel, faith-based organizations, CPS and APS workers, and nurses.
The training also counts as free TCOLE credit for law enforcement, and free CEU for LPCs and social workers.
Topics include the prevalence of sexual assault and rape culture in communities; meeting a survivor’s needs; and sexual assault investigations, report writing, and documentation.
MCCADV hopes to register up to 200 people for the training, and have already met their goal halfway.
“We definitely want to get it out that we’re going to step it up, our community is going to step it up, and there’s going to be a lot more help and support out there,” said Vela.
The training is especially important in the community where family violence, which in many instances is associated with sexual assault, is prevalent. There have already been two cases of domestic abuse reported to the Maverick County Sheriff’s Department in May alone.
The first, on May 1 occurred at the 100 block of Ruela Street where deputies met with a woman who reported she had been assaulted by her husband, Roman Mendez Rodriguez; the second incident occurred on May 4, in which county units were dispatched to the 3800 block of Cross Creek where a woman reported her boyfriend had pushed her and struck her in the face. She further stated that the took away her phone when she attempted to call 911 for assistance. The man then left and took her vehicle without consent.
New Horizons Outreach is available for any referrals, and are available to help any domestic violence, sexual assault, or human trafficking survivors. Shelter is available pending qualification, and the organization also offers counseling services.
“Anybody that just wants to talk and get some help, we’re going to be here for them,” said Vela.
The training will take place Thursday, May 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the West Room at the International Center for Trade. Sign in begins at 8:30 a.m.
To register contact Perla Vela at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 830-309-5165.