Statics show that 8% of girls and 0.7% of boys under the age of 18 experience sexual violence, which amounts to 10 million girls and 791,000 boys. Lotus is Kentucky’s designated Children’s Advocacy and Sexual Violence Resource Center for the Purchase Area Region. Some of the recourses Lotus provides are supporting survivors by providing therapy and counseling, providing a safe place for survivors to come to and providing legal help. Lotus also has events for the community. Some of these upcoming events are a Survivor-Led Support Group, Paint and Sip and Movies Under the Moon. Click here for more information on upcoming events.

Caroline Neal is the Community Outreach and Engagement Specialist at Lotus. She supports Lotus’s mission through outreach, activism, fundraising and awareness initiatives. Prospective volunteers should contact Neal for opportunities.

As a volunteer for Lotus, I can tell you first-hand it has been one of the best experiences of my life. Being able to help and make a difference in your community is a feeling like no other.

“Our volunteers enrich our mission with valuable expertise, perspectives, and passion. Volunteers support with many different types of projects, events, and initiatives,” Neal said. You can learn more and apply to volunteer here. “Students can follow Lotus on Instagram or Facebook and share resources for responding to, and preventing, child abuse and sexual violence,” Neal said.

Neal wants students of Paducah Tilghman High School to know that Lotus serves survivors of child abuse and sexual assault as well as their supportive family members. “We are committed to serving all survivors and do not discriminate against anyone on any basis. All are welcome!” she said.

Services are provided free of charge. Sexual violence is a serious problem that can have serious effects. We are so lucky to have such an amazing and safe place for survivors to get help so close to home. All you must do is take that first step to receive help.

“You are not alone. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence and you need help, you can contact Lotus’s 24-Hour Helpline: 1-800-928-7273. Our 24-Hour Helpline is free and confidential,” Neal said.