Reaching Out to Victims of Sexual Attack

When the call comes, Patsy Baucum knows just what to do.

She grabs a small arsenal she keeps by the door--a notebook, business cards, spare change, and always, lots of tissues. Then the woman who knows too well about the pain of sexual assault heads to a hospital to hold a hand, offer words of comfort--anything to help someone about to go through the trauma of reporting a rape.

“We can survive sexual assault,” said Baucum, 53, who was sexually abused as a child. “There are agencies that can help us. All we have to do is open our hearts and our minds, and let them know that we need their help.”

Baucum will share that message tonight during a rally and march in downtown Ventura. “Take Back the Night” is designed to raise awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence and honor the survivors. It’s part of a national campaign during Sexual Assault Awareness Month through April.

At least 200 people are expected to take part in the event sponsored by the Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, an Oxnard center that helps victims of sexual and domestic abuse. The rally begins at 6 p.m. at Mission Park, between Main and Figueroa streets. Admission is free.

The event will include a performance by local singer and songwriter Teresa Russell, a speech by Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) and tips on how to ward off attackers. There will also be testimony from survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

One of those will be Baucum. She will talk about the sexual violation she endured as a young girl, a trauma she believes propelled her into a life of alcohol abuse and violent relationships. That experience 31 years ago molded her into the person she is today, the Simi Valley woman said.

“As a child, to protect myself, I learned how to lie. As an adult, I transferred the lying to having an absolute reverence for honesty,” she said. “Because I isolated myself [as a child], I now value friendship. I’ve learned to trust my own counsel.”

After the two-hour rally, the crowd will march through downtown Ventura and blow whistles, wave signs and drape themselves in banners. Leading the charge will be Baucum, who plans to shout through a bullhorn: “Take back the night. Everyone unite.”

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Event organizers hope women come away with the belief they can take control of their lives, even when things seem to be spinning out of control. The public nature of the event is intended to encourage women to come forward instead of living in shame, said Gina Gutierrez, a spokeswoman for the Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence. “It’s not just an individual’s problem. It’s a community problem,” Gutierrez said. “It affects us all.”

In 1999, 105 rapes were reported in Ventura County, according to FBI statistics. Nationwide, more than 105,000 rapes were reported, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. But those numbers may be low, crime experts say, because sexual assault typically is underreported. The Justice Department estimates 40% to 60% of all victims never call police.

Reasons vary. Some victims fear retaliation by their attacker, or they are afraid no one will believe them, advocates say. Others don’t want to be branded by their peers. Many also are under the mistaken impression they are responsible.

Advocates say the best way to fight back is to speak out. Not only does it help law enforcement catch the attackers, they say, but it empowers victims in the recovery process.

“They realize they’re not alone,” said Jacqueline Tilkens, supervisor of the family protection unit for the Ventura County district attorney’s office. “They get ideas from other victims on how they handled the trauma that they have gone through.”

Victims of domestic violence can find similar solace. Katie Underhill, a singer and songwriter from West Los Angeles, will perform a song she wrote about her experience. Over two years, she said, she was beaten, choked, hurled into walls, even had a gun held to her head. She eventually broke free of the relationship and has since reclaimed her life.

Underhill hopes to convey that message at the rally today when she sings. “I want to impress that they are not alone,” said Underhill, 22. “They can choose a brand new life. They can get away.”

It took Baucum more than three decades to confront the source of her demons. She said she was sexually abused at 11 by one of the men in her mother’s life while growing up in Southern California. Baucum said she drank to ease the pain, guilt and depression she felt, and soon found herself in a series of bad relationships.

Later, after her first marriage fell apart, Baucum felt ill-equipped to raise her two children on her own. Both now live out of state, and she hasn’t seen them in more than 20 years. It wasn’t until she turned 42 that she confided the childhood abuse to a therapist.

Baucum began keeping journals and recently started to rebuild her relationship with her 27-year-old son. She hopes to one day get in touch with her 25-year-old daughter and begin to mend their relationship.

Baucum works as a clerk and victim’s advocate for the Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence, which provides programs and services to women trying to get out of violent relationships or who have been raped.

Whenever a sexual assault is reported in Ventura County, Baucum or one of the other advocates heads to Simi Valley Hospital or Ventura County Medical Center--two facilities equipped to handle rape exams--to offer assistance.

Besides emotional support, advocates contact family members and go with victims to court or police stations. They also let victims know what services are available, including obtaining a temporary restraining order if necessary.

Although she has learned to cope with her painful past, Baucum said, she is always hesitant to share details. She agreed to talk about her life to let others know they are not alone.

“If my story touches one person and changes one life,” Baucum said, “then it’s worth it.”