Growing Strong Sexual Assault Center

Growing Strong S*xual Assault Center in Decatur is now hiring for a full-time Counselor to work with child and adult survivors of s*xual violence. Previous counseling experience preferred. Masters degree in human service area preferred, Bachelors degree accepted. Competitive starting wages. Interested applicant should send cover letter and resume to Growing Strong S*xual Assault Center, 270 West Prairie Ave, Decatur, IL 62523 or [email protected] by November 17, 2026.
Growing Strong S*xual Assault Center is an equal opportunity employer.

As per usual, it's time for our annual 'TRICK or TREAT' post.

Before you head out for a night of simple fun, be sure to check the Illinois State S*x Offender Registry for the neighborhoods you'll be hitting up to keep the kiddos safe! If you have issues accessing the website, call our office and we will be MORE THAN HAPPY to assist in your night out!

24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770

https://sor.isp.illinois.gov/sorpublic/search

We are hosting a protest in collaboration with the Social Action Club at Millikin tomorrow!! We will be in MU's Quad from 3-5:00 pm with resources on s*xual violence.

Anyone who wants to show support for survivors of s*xual violence is welcome to attend!

Questions? Need support? Call us! 24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770

*This will be a peaceful protest following all Millikin policies and guidelines.*

Prevention Educators often get questions and comments along the lines of:

"Why are you teaching s*x education in Pre-K?" "I talk to my kids about stranger danger; they know how to be safe, so they don't need this." "S*x Education doesn't need to be taught at schools; that should be a conversation at home.", and many more surrounding the misconceptions of s*xual violence prevention.

In reality, education on body safety is essential and easy to understand for all ages when done appropriately!

We teach students from PreK-12th grade, starting with language that they already understand, such as the concept of permission, noticing when our bodies do not feel good, and talking to trusted adults.

Erin's Law is not s*x education. This law mandates that public schools teach about body safety and provides equal access to violence prevention to all students, especially in the case that a student may not be getting body safety education in their home life.

91% of survivors know their perpetrators, and 50% of s*xual assaults against minors occur in their own homes. Stranger Danger, while still important, teaches us that the most likely person to harm us is a stranger and does not prepare us for understanding what to do if abuse is happening from someone we know.

Interested in learning more about Prevention Education? Reach out to our 24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770

FACT:
Most s*xual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows. This can include a dating partner, spouse, friend, family member, coworker, acquaintance, or other trusted person. Knowing the person who harmed you does not make the assault any less real or serious. Consent is required in every relationship and every situation.
Remember:
It is never the survivor’s fault.
Knowing the perpetrator does not mean consent was given.
No one owes anyone s*xual contact—not because of a relationship, marriage, dating, clothing, alcohol, or anything else.
Growing Strong S*xual Assault Center 24/7 217-428-0770
You deserve to be heard. You deserve support. You deserve to be believed.

There are many myths and misconceptions that s*xual assault survivors may encounter. Counseling can help a survivor address these myths, and provide any education needed to further their healing journey.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of s*xual violence and wants to know more about our counseling services at Growing Strong, we encourage you to call us at 217-428-0770.

Growing Strong plans to host our next 40 Hour S*xual Violence Prevention and Crisis Response Training soon!!

This is a FREE training focused on understanding the impacts of s*xual violence, the history of feminism, the power of prevention education, and how to respond in crisis situations. 💯

Our training, in addition to volunteer-ship, has many benefits!

🥳 - Studies show that volunteering can lead to better mental and physical health

💪 - Education and support helps create stronger and safer communities

📣 - Being trained in crisis response can be beneficial when working with children, within the medical field, or other community and support based professions

😇 - Helping others just feels really good!

Interested in volunteering for us or taking our 40-Hour training? Visit our website here: https://www.growingstrongcenter.org/get-involved

Or contact us by our 24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770 🥰

Some of the most popular pieces of media in the last decade have been modern spins on classic Greek Myths. Like most fairytales, fables, and folktales, Greek myths contain significant amounts of violence, specifically s*xual violence. Unfortunately, these stories are also full of victim blaming.

One story, that is often misinterpreted, is the Myth of Medusa. According to modern culture, Medusa was a monster. With snakes for hair and the capability of turning anyone to stone with one look, she became something to be feared. This brief reputation has controlled her narrative for centuries.

In reality, her story is one of victimhood and slut-shaming. According to most of the original stories, Medusa was born with great beauty. The god Poseidon became enamored with her and pursued her.

The goddess, Athena, became enraged at this affection and sought to punish Medusa (and not Poseidon). She was cursed to become the snake-covered monster we all recognize.

Knowing the true story can help us to understand survivors in our own life. Today, a tattoo of Medusa is a common symbol of survivorship and feminism.

The next time you consume media inspired by a fairytale, fable, or myth, ask yourself if you are getting the full story...

Growing Strong's 24/7 Hotline: (217) 428-0770

🪶 Indigenous Peoples’ Day | S*xual Violence Awareness

More than 1 in 2 American Indian and Alaska Native women (56.1%) have experienced s*xual violence in their lifetime.

We must stand in solidarity with the MMIWG2S movement (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People). This movement shines a vital light on the disproportionate crisis of violence faced by Indigenous individuals, demanding justice, systemic reform, and the safety these communities deserve.

You are not alone. Support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

📞 Call our 24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770

S*xual Assault can happen to anyone. Understanding the facts helps create safer workplaces and communities and makes it easier to support survivors. S*xual Assault is never the survivors fault.

For More information call our 24/7 Hotline: 217-428-0770