serves all survivors of sexual assault age 13 and older. Our service area includes: Dawson, Forsyth, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin and White counties in Georgia. Bridging Hope provides the following services:
• 24 hour crisis line
• Forensic Medical Services: Support to victims of sexual assault, family members and friends. Trained volunteer advocates, staff, and specially trained nurses provide crisis intervention during Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations (SANE Exams) and Non-Fatal Strangulation exams, as well as medical aftercare. These examinations are free, confidential, and completely voluntary.
• Judicial Support: Through the legal process, including accompaniment in the courtroom, for survivors of sexual assault. Crisis Intervention:
• For survivors of sexual assault, family members and friends
• Support provided regardless of when the assault occurred or if the crime was reported to law enforcement
• Counseling
• Referral resources
• Prevention Education: To high school and college classes. Bridging Hope teaches 8th grade sexual assault prevention classes to all 8th graders in the following counties: Dawson, Habersham, Hall, Lumpkin and White counties. The 8th grade curriculum covers topics that include but are not limited to:
• Understanding Georgia law on rape, sexual assault, and statutory rape
• How to reduce the risk of sexual assault
• How to respond if a friend has been sexually assaulted
• Tips on healthy relationships
• Professional Training: To medical, psychological, legal, law enforcement, and other collaborative agencies.
• Community Education: For parents groups, church, civic and community groups.