Journal-News.com

BUTLER COUNTY — The Butler County Rape Crisis recently hired a new staff member to assist Spanish-speaking victims of sexual assault.

Laura Dickey joins the agency after serving as an intake specialist and interpreter for the Butler County Domestic Relations Court.

Dickey will provide crisis intervention, advocacy and support to Spanish-speaking assault victims. She also will provide outreach and education about victimization issues to the Spanish-speaking community, rape crisis officials said.

Dickey plans to continue the Rape Crisis Program's dedication to providing support to under served victims of sexual assault.

"Because there is so much political tension today surrounding immigration reform, many Spanish-speaking victims are hesitant to come forward to get the medical, legal, and emotional support they deserve in the aftermath of crime," Dickey said.

"I hope that Spanish-speaking victims will feel comfortable seeking the compassionate and confidential support available through the Rape Crisis Program."

Dickey has worked as a language instructor in Brazil.

She also has knowledge of the criminal justice system response to domestic violence, protection orders, and the unique needs of Spanish-speaking victims of violence.

The Butler County Rape Crisis Program offers crisis intervention and accompanies victims to the hospital. The program also provides legal advocacy for sexual assault victims, as well as outreach and education in schools and in the community.

For more information about the Rape Crisis Program, call its 24-hour hotline at (513) 4146, 894-7002 or (513) 424-5498. For Latina Outreach services, call the Hamilton outreach office at (513) 856-8618.

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