NASV anniversary

It is a grim fact of life that sexual violence occurs in our towns and neighborhoods and affects both adults and children. Since 1997, there has been an ambitious effort to provide professional services to victims of sexual offenses called the Southeast Missouri Network Against Sexual Violence. Next month, the SEMO-NASV will mark its 10th anniversary with a special event that will feature federal prosecutor Catherine Hanaway as the speaker.

First, some information about the NASV.

The need for an agency to work with victims became obvious after a series of meetings in 1997 involving medical, law enforcement and legal personnel. Based on that need, the NASV began offering its services in 1998, relying on volunteers and donated space, utilities and furnishings. In that first year of operation, 46 children from 11 Southeast Missouri counties were examined by the NASV. By mid-2000, the number had grown to 140.

To meet the demand for assistance, the NASV in 2000 hired a director and began raising money to underwrite its operations, which by now included coordinated services, client advocacy, training for community professionals and resource development.

Now, a decade after those first informational meetings, the NASV sees more than 600 children a year for forensic care from nine Southeast Missouri counties. The not-for-profit agency's advocacy program serves 400 victims a year, and the advocacy and prevention education reaches more than 12,000 students, teachers and parents each year.

The NASV provides child-abuse investigation along with prosecution training to law enforcement, child-welfare and juvenile officers. Funding for the agency is provided by United Way, grants and donations.

The 10th anniversary event is scheduled for Sept. 22 at Bavarian Halle in Fruitland. The event will give the public an opportunity to learn more about the NASV and the work it is doing. Call 332-1900 for more information.