April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Every 2 , minutes someone is sexually assaulted in the United States. Recovery from sexual assault is a long process requiring time, emotional support and professional assistance. The YWCA of Northwest Georgia, located at 48 Henderson St. in Marietta, helps victims of sexual assault and domestic violence heal.

"The vision of our organization is a community free of domestic violence and sexual assault," said CEO/Executive Director of YWCA of Northwest Georgia Holly Comer.

The only nonprofit to partner with law enforcement, WellStar Health System, and the District Attorney's office, the YWCA provides services to sexual assault victims in Cobb, Cherokee and Paulding who are 13 and older.

"We're there solely for the victim," she said. "We're an advocate for the victim."

Comer said that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men will be a victim of sexual assault in their lifetime. "I believe it's an epidemic," she said. "It's happening everyday. It's happening in our community."

More than 60 percent of victims know their attacker, making it more difficult to come forward because of associated guilt, Comer explained. "It's not just somebody jumping out from behind the bushes like we've been warned about growing up. It's someone they know," she said.

Among the services offered to victims, the YWCA provides the only domestic violence shelter in Cobb County as well as transitional housing for up to 24 months; legal advocates to help with temporary protective orders and to answer questions; medical services including specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners; counseling and support groups for as long as needed; and a 24-hour crisis line.

One of the most important services the YWCA provides is education to the community through consultation, in-service training and informational presentations.

Comer stressed that sexual assault is not the victim's fault. "It's a crime, not something they asked for," she said.

"(The YWCA) is so important because we're the only ones doing what we're doing. If we're not here, where will they go?" Comer asked. "We have to break the silence. We have to be here to help them heal and move on and live violent-free lives."

Learn more about YWCA services by visiting www.ywcanwga.com or calling (770) 427-2902.