http://missourishores.com/news.aspxThe latest headlines and articles from Missouri Shores - Pierre SD(c) 2026 Missouri Shores - Pierre SD5<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><img alt="" src="/media/mshores360webcmscom/SAAM%20header.png" style="left: 587.8px; top: 438.2px; width: 615px; height: 281.6px;" /></strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>It starts with believing</strong><span style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;">Believe people when they choose to disclose one of the most traumatic experiences of their life. Believe that at least one of your friends or family members have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.</p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;">Believe that it happens here, too. A 2019 data report by the South Dakota State University and the Dept.&nbsp;<span class="JsGRdQ">of Health analyzed sexual assault trends throughout South Dakota. The findings were shocking. Hughes County has the </span><span class="JsGRdQ">3rd highest rape rate per 100,000 in South Dakota, at 70.2. </span><span class="JsGRdQ">Pennington County (135.6) and Davison (78.7) were the only counties higher than Hughes County.</span></p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;">According to the same report, South Dakota has the 6th highest rape rate per 100,000 in the United States (72.6) - and this is the highest the rape rate has been in South Dakota since 1960. These numbers are staggering, and they are real.</p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;">We can change that, and it starts with supporting survivors. Coming forward, naming their abuser, and pressing charges are all terrifying things for victims to do. We must make safe spaces, online and off, for our loved ones who have experienced this trauma. The simple act of providing a safe and supportive environment may encourage a victim to hold their abuser accountable in court. Even they choose not to, every act of kindness and support makes a difference.</p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="JsGRdQ">This includes what we say online. We might forget that real people, with real experiences, will read what we share on the internet. What we say and share matters. Show your support this April by going to </span><span class="JsGRdQ">nsvrc.org/saam</span><span class="JsGRdQ"> and sharing graphics on your social media platforms.</span></p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: 10px;"><span class="JsGRdQ" style="font-size: 10px;">Source:&nbsp;</span><em>Sexual Violence in South Dakota 2019 Data Report</em>. Tracey McMahon et al. Population Health Evaluation Center. South Dakota State University. March 2021. Accessed from <a href="https://doh.sd.gov/documents/Prevention/2019_SD_SexualViolenceReport.pdf">https://doh.sd.gov/documents/Prevention/2019_SD_SexualViolenceReport.pdf</a></span></p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="JsGRdQ" style="font-size: 10px;"></span></p> <p class="_04xlpA direction-ltr align-justify para-style-body" style="line-height: 22px;">&nbsp;</p>http://missourishores.com/blog/saam-2022/4/1/2022 12:00:00 AM<a href="/media/mshores360webcmscom/documents/River Life Chapter 52 part 2.pdf" target="_blank">View the latest RiverLife article</a>.http://missourishores.com/blog/riverlife-spring-2014/5/5/2014 12:00:00 AM<a href="/media/mshores360webcmscom/documents/Spring March 2014 newsletter.pdf" target="_blank">View the Spring 2014 Newsletter</a>.<br /> <br />http://missourishores.com/blog/spring-2014-newsletter/5/5/2014 12:00:00 AM