Gathering highlights resources at Tooele Rape Recovery Center

TOOELE — Community members and experts gathered Tuesday night to discuss resources for victims of sexual violence in their community.

Tooele County has one of the highest rates of reported sexual assaults in Utah, more than double the national average, according to the Rape Recovery Center.

Executive Director Gary Scheller said that police would conduct about half a dozen forensic exams every year in Tooele, but those numbers have doubled since the Tooele office of the Rape Recovery Center opened just over a year ago.

"We need people to know that the services are here, (and) are confidential and free," Scheller said.

"We get sexual assault survivors who call and say it happened the night before. We get people who call and it was something that happened 20 years ago, and they never reached out, they never got help," explained Jennilyn Potter, Tooele Advocacy Coordinator.

A number of survivors participated on Tuesday by sharing an art piece they created to represent their healing journey.

Melanie Arbizu is from Tooele. She said the Rape Recovery Center here has played a huge role in her healing so far. Her piece has a galaxy-inspired background with hot pink writing that says, "I glow in the dark."

"I glow in the dark, which means despite the darkness, I'm still here. I'm still living," she said.

Arbizu said participating Tuesday was important because she knows there are many more people in her shoes.

"I just want everyone to know that there is a place to go. They don't have to feel like they're alone," she said.

Potter said a simple phone call can make all the difference to a victim, even if they don't choose to pursue legal action.

"If you come to the Rape Recovery Center, we believe you, we will support you," Potter said.

The Rape Recovery Center helpline number is 801-736-4356. Find more information and access assault prevention resources at www.raperecoverycenter.org/.

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