A
5200 Harry Hines Blvd.
,
Dallas
,
TX
75235
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- 214-590-8000
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- 214-590-8000
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- 214-590-5601
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- 469-419-0820
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- Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7p.m
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- 214-590-1152
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- 214-590-4600
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- Visitation hours may vary by floor
- 214-590-8000
- Main Retail Café: Mon - Sun | 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Starbucks Café: WISH Building | Mon - Fri | 5:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Park Market Café: Mon - Fri | 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. | 8 p.m. - 4 a.m. | Sat -Sun | 7 p.m. - 4 a.m.
- Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday & Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- 214-590-8831
- Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. - 11 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday: Closed
- Holiday hours may be different
Posted: 4/1/2015
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
When we think of someone suffering from post-traumatic stress, most of us envision a soldier returning from combat in a foreign land. But studies show that rape victims have between a 50 and 95 percent chance of developing post-traumatic stress disorder after being raped.
The average level of healthcare use increases 18 percent in the year following a rape compared to pre-rape levels, and climbs to 56 percent in the second year post-rape, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC).
“Sexual violence impacts an individual in various ways, including a victim’s physical and emotional health,” said Melissa Reilly, Director of the Victim Intervention Program (VIP) /Rape Crisis Center at Parkland Health & Hospital System. “Often the effects can be long-lasting.”
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and health providers hope to educate the public about the serious health consequences that can afflict victims of sexual assault. NSVRC reports survivors of rape are more likely to experience frequent headaches, chronic pain, difficulty sleeping, activity limitations, poor physical health, and poor mental health compared with people who have never been raped.
Experts say that preventing sexual violence requires a change in attitudes and culture. Traditional gender roles, power imbalances and victim-blaming can all contribute to sexual violence.
“When someone discloses an assault to you, believing them is the most important thing you can do. Also, make sure the person is safe and seek out resources to help the person start the healing process,” Reilly said. “Talking about a sexual assault takes a great deal of courage and trust.”
Parkland’s universal abuse/violence screening identifies individuals who have experienced sexual violence, whether it occurred two days ago or many years ago. It sends a message to patients that their safety is important to Parkland and help is available. Once a patient reports having experienced sexual violence, a referral to Parkland’s VIP/Rape Crisis Center staff is made. Client advocates at the center provide 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning and information and referrals.
“Many victims referred to the VIP/Rape Crisis Center have never told anyone about the abuse or were not aware of the services offered at Parkland. For victims who were recently assaulted, the supportive and empathetic response from Parkland staff positively impacts his or her recovery,” Reilly said.
If you or a loved one is in an abusive situation and needs immediate assistance, call the Crisis Line at 214.590.0430. To make an appointment with a counselor or find out more information about Parkland’s services, please call the VIP/Rape Crisis Center at 214.590.2926.