Amberly’s Place reports abuse increase
Center sees hikes in child abuse, domestic violence, rapes
Amberly’s Place has experienced a 28 percent increase in calls for services so far this year. The family advocacy center has also seen a 30 percent increase in child physical abuse, 25 percent hike in domestic violence and a 110 percent rise in the rate of adult sexual assaults.
But the increases don’t necessarily mean there is more abuse in Yuma County. Diane Umphress, executive director, believes it points to an increased awareness of abuse. For example, neighbors hear yelling and screaming and they no longer think it’s none of their business. They feel an obligation to help by reporting it to police.
The advocacy center is the only one in the county with a crisis team to assist victims of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and elder abuse.
“We are thankful for our law enforcement partners who call us out, as they are the ones who identify the victims and make it possible for us to serve them,” Umphress wrote in an email sent to countywide officials.
Last month the center responded to a call involving a 4-month-old with bruises on his face and eyes. The advocacy center is also aware of two domestic violence homicides this month. One pregnant woman was taken to Mexico and murdered. The center is helping the family to get help through the state crime victims’ compensation program so they can bury the woman and her unborn child.
The center has seen at least one decrease, a 3 percent decline in child sexual abuse reports. But this might change soon; the center typically see a jump in calls once school starts again. Teachers ask their students how their summer vacation went and some reveal abusive situations.
However, the increase in adult sexual assaults combined with child sexual
abuse has resulted in an increase in medical forensic exams of 56 percent.
“The sexual assault nurse examiners are the true medical professionals. They are very kind and compassionate when working with victims, while collecting evidence that will assist in prosecution of the case,” Umphress wrote.
She pointed out the importance of preserving the evidence through a forensic exam as soon as possible. However, she noted, assaults are very traumatic and victims might not feel ready to talk about it to law enforcement.
That’s why Umphress is grateful a law enacted in 2009 allows victims to get services from advocacy centers like Amberly’s Place without having the assault reported to law enforcement.
“They need time to heal from the trauma before going through the judicial system,” she told the Yuma Sun.
In the meantime, victims can go to the center for an exam and have the physical evidence collected as soon as possible to support their story. They can choose to tell what happened to a forensic interviewer and later they can choose to talk to law enforcement.
“Right after an assault, victims are very traumatized. They’re asking, ‘What did I do wrong?’ They doubt themselves,” Umphress said.
If the victim had been drinking or taking drugs, he or she might question whether it was rape or if they encouraged the assault.
For Umphress, the answer is clear. “Anytime someone is not in control of their mental faculties, yes, it’s sexual assault,” Umphress said.
The exam is probably the hardest part, she noted. Once that’s been done, some victims find it easier to talk to police.
“I’m hoping that that’s helping with the increase,” she said, adding victims are also encouraged by finding out their rights and where they stand: “Having somebody telling them, ‘It wasn’t your fault.’ It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 or 95.”
Experts believe only one in three sexual assaults are reported. In her experience, Umphress thinks it’s more like one in five.
Some victims hesitate in reporting assaults because they feel they will be judged or not believed. When it comes to abuse, the community often starts to judge a victim before all the facts come out. This prevents victims, especially teenagers, from reporting it.
“They are so afraid they will be judged, especially on social media, where everything hits in minutes,” Umphress said. “Everyone gives their opinion, the pros and the cons, without knowing the full story. Wait until all the facts come out before sharing your opinion,” she added.
Umphress expressed appreciation for the support from the community and law enforcement.
“We continually see the need for advocacy services and the support of this community to assist the victims. The coordination of services continues to make it easier for victims to report and get the help they need,” she wrote.
“I am so thankful for a staff who believes in what they are doing and really goes the extra mile to assist victims. I am also thankful for the law enforcement professionals we work with. They are a vital part of this team.”
Umphress also acknowledged prosecutors for taking the information provided and doing “all they can to hold the abuser accountable for their actions.”
The Multidisciplinary Team is the “best,” she said, for dealing with the “worst that people can do to each other and still keep going. This says a lot about these individuals. This (is) why we can continue to do what we do. It is a team effort, each part of this team is dynamic and goes the extra mile in all they do.”
In addition, she expressed appreciation for the new building and “the ability it gives us to provide better services and work together.
“Each number on our stats is a life we have been able to impact in a positive way,” Umphress wrote.
For immediate help, call the 24-hour hotline at 928373-0849. In case of an emergency, call 911.
For more information about Amberly’s Place, go to www.amberlysplace.com or call 928-373-0849.