WWSB ABC 7
Wednesday, October 03, 2012
Rape crisis center in desperate need of
volunteers
Reported by: Fallon Silcox
Email: fsilcox@mysuncoast.com
Last Update: 10/03 6:18 pm
BRADENTON, Fla. - The number of rapes in Manatee County is rising, with 23 more sexual
assaults reported in Manatee County this year compared to last, and 4 more sexual assault
incidents so far this year reported in the city of Bradenton. Now, officials with Manatee Glens
Rape Crisis Center, the only rape crisis center in Manatee County, say they need volunteer
victim's advocates more than ever to meet their needs.
“It's got to come from the heart.” Kathryn Meisenbach has served as a volunteer victim's
advocate for Manatee Glens for over 10 years. She says while it's not an easy job, it is rewarding
knowing that you're the person a victim of sexual assault can depend during one of the toughest
times in their lives. “You hear a lot of things. You hear a lot of personal things, parts of the
bodies, a lot of acts where you think, oh my goodness, where did this come from? Someone
really has to have the heart to do it, the stamina, and it's not a hard job, it's just a job with a hear.”
Now, Cathy Wilson, Director of Children Services and Community Programs, says Manatee
Glens needs more Kathryn’s. “They work a 24 hour, 7 day a week program, so they're on call at
the office during the regular work week, plus on call on the hotline and are called out if there are
any sexual assaults in the area.”
Wilson says since the Rape Crisis Center was started at Manatee Glens 15 years ago, there's
always been a need for volunteers, but this year, officials are making it a top priority to recruit
them in order to meet the increase in need. “Not knowing what is going on and what's happening,
a lot of people think, oh it must not be happening, it must not be a problem here, so it's nice to
get some people here who are compassionate and want to help others.”
If you would like more information on becoming a volunteer victim's advocate, visit the Manatee
Glens website. Manatee Glens is holding two informational sessions coming up on October 27th
and November 4th.