April is Sexual Assault Awareness month, and while many people don’t think this is something that happens here, unfortunately, it does.  The Marshalltown Police Department, in 2022, investigated 83 crimes related to sexual abuse, exploitation, or sexual violence.  This was up from 2021 when they only investigated 70 such cases.  Victims are of all ages, races, cultures, and genders.  There are resources to help anyone who is a victim, ACCESS or Assault Care Center Extending Shelter and Support, has a crisis line.  800-203-3488 is the ACCESS sexual abuse crisis line for any victim looking for support.

Zach Tomesch, News Director KFJB