By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Jana’s Campaign and Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services invite all community members to participate in a survey to help them better understand the factors that contribute to violence and safety within local communities.
The agencies are conducting a quality of life survey in Ellis, Thomas and Russell counties to gain insights into the risks and protections against violence, with a particular focus on sexual violence.
This survey's purpose is to gather valuable information that will guide their efforts in creating safer, more supportive communities.
If you are an Ellis, Thomas or Russell County resident, you are encouraged to take 10 to 15 minutes to complete this survey.
"It is entirely anonymous. There are some potentially activating questions, so folks should please take care of themselves while taking this survey. And, of course, all should feel free to reach out," said Meagan Zampieri-Lillpopp, Options director of client services.
Links to the survey
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H8YP9KX
Espanol: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/H8XM5ZM
Options is also recruiting survivors to participate in a stakeholders' health equity research project in partnership with Fort Hays State University.
Local officials hope the survey, which is part of a community needs assessment, will provide a detailed understanding of the current landscape of sexual violence in these communities and guide the development of tailored prevention strategies.
SEE RELATED STORY: Options and Jana's Campaign join forces to combat sexual violence
For more information on the partnership or survey, see the contacts below.
Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Phone: 785-625-4202
Jana's Campaign
Contact: Kaiti Blackburn
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 785-656-0324
How to get help
If you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence, you can receive help in a variety of ways. You can walk into an Options office at 2716 Plaza, Hays, or 1480 W. Fourth, Colby. You can call Options' 24-hour helpline at 1-800-794-4624 or text HOPE to 847411.
The Options website, https://help4abuse.org/, offers a live chat option or video conference with an advocate.
The website has a safe escape button that allows you to quickly close out of the website and erase your cookies, so anyone who is on the computer after you will not be able to see that you have been on the website.
Options has a free app for Android and Apple devices called "My Mobile Options."