Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM April 2020 | Page 32

NON-PROFIT OF THE MONTH LEIGH ANN FRY President & CEO Bay Area Turning Point, Inc. 281.338.7600 www.bayareaturningpoint.org APRIL Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month B ay Area Turning Point is a center of care for victims of family violence and sexual assault. We have been providing services in the greater bay area for 29 years. Our mission “a_d_v_o_c_a_t_i_n_g_ _t_o_ _e_n_d_ _d_o_m_e_s_t_i_c_ _a_n_d_ _s_e_x_u_a_l_ _v_i_o_l_e_n_c_e_” _does not stop in the face of a pandemic. The services we provide are essential beyond the governmental meaning of the term in the present climate of COVID-19. We adjust, move forward and above all continue to serve in every situation that is put before us. The issue of family violence and sexual assault is pervasive across the country and the Bay Area is no exception. Each year we provide services to over 10,000 individuals through our crisis hotline, shelter, non-residential, and housing programs. Additionally we offer a robust prevention program that works to end violence before it has a chance to start. Family violence is knowable, preventable and predictable. Sexual assault takes many forms, but one thing is consistent, it is never the victims fault. A person impacted by family or sexual violence who reaches out for help can expect a caring, individualized trauma informed team of staff to support their journey. We are available every step of the way and offer a wide array of services. We encourage each individual seeking the help of BATP to participate in the services that they deem most beneficial. We are there to support, guide, validate, and celebrate victories. BATP wants anyone sheltered at home with an 30 MOMENTUM abusive partner to know that a government stay at home order is not an order for them to continually face abuse. We are here and we can help, even during a pandemic. Please reach out to 281-286-2525 and let us safety plan with you! We invite community members to become active in the issue. Together, we can make a significant positive impact on the issue in our community and help an individual move from victim to survivor. When someone impacted by family violence knows they have the support of the community, they are better equipped to make lasting changes and move to a life free of violence. Our prevention program allows individuals and community members to learn more about the issue, know how to assist an individual, and how to help us make a paradigm shift that will make the Bay Area a shining example of how to stop violence and keep people safe. As we maneuver COVID-19 our services have shifted somewhat, but it we want the community to know they have not stopped. We have taken necessary precautionary measures to respect mandates of social distancing in order to keep both staff and clients safe. This means that our non-residential services are occurring telephonically or through electronic platforms. Victims should contact our hotline at 281- 286-2525 to schedule services. Our shelter continues to provide services uninterrupted. For more information about Bay Area Turning Point, please check our website at www.bayareaturningpoint. org or call 281-338.7600.