The Taos News from Taos, New Mexico • Page 19

HSTIIK i-. Rape Crisis Center follows attack from cry for help Four years ago group of Taos formed the Rape Crisis Center with MMtUmce and encouragement from several local Social Mental Health, the district attorney's office, sheriff, town and State Police and medical personnel. In recent years, there ban been a growing awareness of the seriousness of the crime of rape. The traumatic this crime has on Its victim has brought us more understanding of her his rights and need for support. People involved In the Rape Crisis Center are volunteer advocates who have undergone preliminary screening, education and crisis Intervention training The men and women advocates represent our community's diversity Advocates Include social workers, nurses, homemakers, lawyers, business people and teachers Is to support the victim This church ujeck By I.F.r.

H4X CiMTON A course on Christian F.thlcs Is offered by the Taos Seminary Extension Center at First Baptist Church The course is a study of ethical principles of the Bible and Christian responsibility In marriage and family living, race relations, economic life and the political order. The course Is approved for college credit of three semester hours and Is being taught by Pastor Robert Butler of First Baptist Cost Is 124 M). which Includes the text. "Introducing Christian Kthlcs." by Henley Barnette. Classes, which began March li'.

will meet each Thursday at 7 p.m. for nine weeks For further Information, call 758-33M or F)rst Brethren Church In Canon will host a laymen's Prayer Breakfast Saturday (March 211 All men of the area are Invited. United plan a craft show for the family night tonight (March it)) After the potluck supper at fl p.m.. program of music will foe provided by members of he congregation may Include counseling, offering legal and medical Information, giving ref -rals and public education Because rape Is a violent attack on a person's emotional and physical well- being, we offer crisis counseling A victim can go through many reactions to the crime fear, anxiety, guilt, anger and suffer loss of sleep, loss of appetite, confusion, dlsorlentatlon, phobias and nightmares and depression. We can help her-hlm to understand these behaviors and refer her-hlm to further counseling If desired.

Family and friends of the rape victim may also suffer emotionally, and our counseling services are offered to them too A medical exam, which Is voluntary. Is recommended to detect and treat physical Injury, venereal disease and pregnancy. The advocate may be present at this exiim to explain and offer emotional support. The victim has the right to be examined by her his private doctor either In the hospital emergency room or in the doctor's office. This treatment Is paid for by the state's Sexual Crimes Prosecutions and Treatment Programs.

A.I»VtK'*.TM are available to a victim throughout the legal process as well, beginning with police or other law enforcement agencies which may be involved and continuing through a trial. If that Is the outcome. Again, our role Is to Inform and give emotional support. The decision to press charges and bring a case Is always left to the rape victim and district attorney's office. The stress on someone's life caused by rape has been described as "similar to other situations of stress.

Including community disasters, war, surgical procedures, etc." Rape Is primarily a violent act, not a sexual one. The chief psychological damage is a feeling of loss of control over yourself and your life and a devastating sense of powerlessness. We see part of our Job as helping the victim to regain control over her his life. Therefore, we are careful not to make choices and decisions for someone else, but rather to encourage, support and assist In decision making. KAPft CRISIS Center also assumes responsibility for education and prevention.

We have spoken and shown films In the public schools and other civic organizations, church groups and local agencies. Any groups wishing this service, call 758-2170. The Hotline number, 768-2910, Is available on a 24-hour basis. Volunteers are always on call to respond. Jnin is 11 nipr rrtote arfrocnfr vith Community Against Rapr.

to an incorporated rolnntrcr more rommnnly known an Taox Crisis Ci'ntrr. MS now's the time to have your CARPETS done!" GENTLE FOAM FOR ORIENTALS STEAM FOR WALL-TO-WALL CALL: J's Way Janitors 776-2626 laos staryram By JOSRPH RYNKAR March l9-'25 hru- A (1 It ft il an (hta A tw of thr M- having im l-rtjfir Vou MuuMn d. tn til Nl it if hot Ami uf yiiw llunh trunklnjt suul --ara tie- tr.ln.lr.l MINI iti.tiu -if ut.it ullvAKUrM N. t- A if ffXiiu fljTUfrt) (Hjl Ifurta la Mi.I UittlnAtrU ft fut! if Aii.t it v.ii,r« IIHMt nufB Ui itr lu (tjf )uu A Hut it 10 MENS FASHION KNIT SPORT SHIRTS Rush in for super knits. Some two-toned and piping.

S-M-L-XL. HORTSETS Soft poly or cotton Includes top short. 2-7 SUtVILiSS SHORT SUIVI CASUAL BLOUSES No-iron poly snd cotton plisss' to complement your pants. Sizes S-M-L where youVe 3.99 iASERAU SHIRT 5 WESTERN SHIRTS KNIT SUN TOPS 34 totgth in cuinlon poly cotton Two (onod XL Pftui cutfi. Poly and cotton twill with novslty button or smbroidaiv dstaas (runt yoke XL pocket detail Prvtty pattuls ML Cool cotton for comfort.

SMI poly cotton twUte. SUss6-16 porv and cotton taa-shrits. 6.99 1OJ witfHM tnuw cotooaviiout HATS FOR THE FAMIL that kaap A yarwty artd in cotiM. vwiuuis Many family oQn ttUt knit XL to Itom SIMS 4 WEST OJITOS A SANTA FE ROAD aMactiM Mwu Match m. SUNDAYS TAOS.

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