Sexual assault survivors shared their stories during a news conference on Wednesday after reports that the Houston Police Department suspended more than 4,000 sexual assault cases due to lack of personnel.
The Houston Area Women’s Center said they organized the conference to raise awareness about sexual assault and how to prevent it.
Officials said they wanted to take advantage of the spotlight that is being placed on this issue.
“I want everyone to support survivors by believing them, not judging them, not blaming them, and supporting them by asking them what they need,” said Leticia Mazano, a survivor of sexual assault. “I am a survivor and my voice matters.”
HAWC also said HPD Chief Troy Finner contacted them recently to say he wants to do everything he can to regain the group’s trust.
HAWC wants to encourage the community to help them end sexual assault.
During the conference, officials talked about how traumatizing this experience can be and how it affects people’s trust.
Domestic violence victims can also suffer sexual assault.
HAWC also encouraged survivors to believe that healing is possible and motivated them to get support.