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Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault helping survivors recover

Posted at 6:13 PM, Sep 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-27 21:35:33-04

An accused serial rapist sits in the Pima County Jail charged with sexually assaulting five women in five weeks. 

Those survivors are receiving treatment from Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault.

Deputies arrest suspected serial rapist suspected in 5 cases since August 26

Jacquelyn Hinek, a SACASA advocate, says a survivor's frequent question is about the amount of time it will take to get better.

Hinek explained there is no specific amount of time to recover. 

"Throw away that timeline that people try to keep you on and listen to your self, be patient  with yourself, and be kind to yourself," Hinek said.

The organization offers therapy and a free 24-hour crisis line. 

She says a caller can remain anonymous and doesn't have to file a police report if they don't want to. 

"Sexual assault happens to people of all gender identities, age ranges, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status," she said.
 
Hinek explained that 1 in 5 females will experience sexual assault during their time at a university and two-thirds of perpetrators are someone you know. 
 
"Our four main statements is that is it not your fault, there is nothing that someone can do to invite or allow a sexual assault, and the responsibility is always and only on the person chooses to sexual assault someone... the perpetrator," she said.