LGBT Center of Greater Reading and Safe Berks Expand Partnership to stop Domestic and Sexual Violence

READING, PA — (03-09-22) — The LGBT Center of Greater Reading and Safe Berks announce that they are teaming up to include an onsite Safe Berks advocate to help combat domestic violence and sexual assault in underserved communities.

“We believe that partnerships like this are one of the key weapons to combat hate, aggression, and violence in our communities,” said Michelle Dech, Executive Director of the LGBT Center of Greater Reading. “We have experienced the degree to which sexual assault and domestic violence can impact the LGBTQIA+ community, and we know that these issues intersect with other communities. Together we can do more.” said Dech.

According to the LGBT Center of Greater Reading, the initiative places Safe Berks advocates at community partnership locations. The LGBT Center Advocate will be available several hours each week.

The services will complement the LGBT Center of Greater Reading existing free counseling services.

Safe Berks is a non-profit that provides services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Berks County. Remember, the services are free, confidential and available 24/7 all year round.

According to the Center for Disease Control, LGBT Americans experience sexual violence at similar or higher rates than their heterosexual counterparts.

Additionally, studies show that nearly half of transgender Americans and Bisexual women will experience sexual violence at some point in their lifetimes.

For more information about Safe Berks, contact its 24-hour hotline at 1-844-789-SAFE (7233) or text SAFE BERKS to 20121 or, visit Safeberks.org.

To learn more about the LGBT Center of Greater Reading, call 1-484-513-3170 or visit lgbtcenterofreading.com.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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