RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization says that:
Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child.
Only 5 out of 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison.
As sad as it is to think about, these statistics make it hard to wonder how many people we know have experienced or been affected by sexual assault? It's a lot more than we want to think, but it's reality.
Hands Producing Hope is centered around love, stewardship, community, equality and excellence. The brands we partner with share many of these values and also ignite hope around the world. April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month and we want to highlight two of our favorite companies that employ, advocate and support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
Thistle Farms
After losing her father and experiencing subsequent child abuse at a young age, Becca Stevens sought to open a sanctuary for survivors of trafficking, violence and addiction. In 1977, she opened their first sanctuary home for 5 women where they began recovering. In 2001, Becca, the residents and volunteers began making candles in a church basement to provide financial freedom for the women. Through Becca's personal experience and love for the community, Thistle Farms social enterprises were born. The company now ensure access to safe and supportive housing, financial independence and a loving support system for women rising up against systems that commoditize, criminalize and abuse women.
Thistle Farms creates handcrafted candles and jewelry as well as home, body and bath products. Each product has a unique story behind it and creates economic freedom for women survivors worldwide.
Prodigal Pottery
In 2014 Jamie Ankenbrandt Johnson started Prodigal Pottery to create jobs for the women in King's Home, a women's shelter outside of Birmingham, Alabama providing shelter and support for women fleeing homelessness and domestic abuse. Prodigal Pottery has employed over 100 women since the beginning of the company. They offer dignified employment to women in order to create bright futures, and don't turn them away based on their pasts. Prodigal Pottery equips their employees with skill and financial trainings while ensuring the women are valued, loved and supported.
All Prodigal Pottery is handmade and the proceeds support their employees by paying salaries and providing lasting benefits that lead to promising futures.
What resources are available for those affected by sexual assault and domestic violence?
The National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline (800-656-HOPE / 800-856-4673) is a safe, confidential service. It connects you with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline is a chat service that is safe and confidential. It connects you with a trained staff member and the Internet communication is 100% secure.