$750,000 grant awarded to SEMO-NASV to help abuse victims

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – A rural grant to help provide services to abuse victims was granted to the Southeast Missouri Network Against Survivors/ SEMO-NASV.

SEMO-NASV helps assist survivors of abuse both women and children in eight different counties.

$750,000 was given by the U.S Department of Justice Office for Violence Against Women.

The funding will be used to hire several employees, such as a sexual nurse examiner, advocate therapist, and two part-time Green Bear prevention specialists.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month, so the funding comes at a great time to help support those who need it.

SEMO-NASV will partner with the Safe House of Southeast Missouri in providing programs and events all month long to help raise funding and awareness to victims of domestic violence.

Alix Gasser is the develop director for Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence.

“The grant helps us fund a number of positions that we have here at our office,” says Gasser, “Specifically, a sexual nurse examiner, an advocate, a therapist and two part time green bear prevention specialists as well as a myriad of other things.” 

According to childprotect.Org 3.6 million cases of child abuse are reported each year and 10 million women are victims of assault each year, the SEMO-NASV network are a saving grace to these victims and October is the month that raises awareness for domestic violence.  

Jessica hill is the executive director of the Safe House of Southeast Missouri.

She shares why domestic violence awareness is important.

“I think that domestic violence is a very isolating experience and that it makes people feel like they’ve done something wrong, that they deserved to be mistreated and can really affect someone’s self-esteem but not only that, but also their safety.” 

If you would like to help support the Safe House of Southeast Missouri during the month of October they will have several events you can take place in go to their website for more information on event days and times.