The Refuge Sexual Assault Center

03/27/2026

Today our forensic nurse shared with juniors and seniors at Toombs County High School Prom Promise what we at The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter and The Refuge Sexual Assault Center promise to do for them if our services are needed.

03/25/2026

What an opportunity! Our child advocate, Jessica, and our dual sexual assault/domestic violence advocate, Traci, have had the privilege of participating in the Vidalia and Toombs county Teen Maze events for 8th graders this week.

These 8th graders are provided with truth….truth about laws, about healthy and unhealthy relationships, drinking/drugs, smoking/vaping, mental health, STI’s and pregnancy.

Our goal is to educate, protect, support. Yes, some of the students cry, are shaken up, don’t know how to process. Some of them have already experienced the things we talk about. We are here to support and love them through this.

Big thank you to Paige Ward and the Toombs County Family Connection for allowing The Refuge to participate in this amazing event!

02/13/2026

Emanuel County Courthouse turned on their artistic vibe today! Thank you for your support and showing the love!

Emanuel County Board of Commissioners

01/30/2026

01/27/2026

Help us turn our town into a garden of love! 🌸💙

This ❤️Valentine’s Day❤️, we are chalking the walk! We’re inviting all local businesses to grab some chalk and decorate their sidewalks with the theme: Love Blooms Here.

We believe that a community that supports one another is a community where love, and survivors, can thrive. Let’s show everyone walking past your doors that they are supported, safe, and valued.

How to get involved:

SIGN UP: Just let us know you want to participate through this post or email sacoordinatorvid@gmail.com and you will be on the list!

PREPARE: On Thursday, February 12, we will deliver your chalk!

CREATE: On Friday, February 13, decorate the sidewalk outside your business.

SHARE: Snap a photo and tag us so we can share your masterpiece!

Let’s color our streets with kindness. Who’s in? 🙋‍♀️

12/19/2025

When I tell you this table was FULL! Wheeler County Sheriff's Office

12/19/2025

We are absolutely BLOWN AWAY! 💙 When I tell you that the Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office and the community of Wheeler County showed up in the biggest way, you truly would have to see it to believe it.

We are incredibly grateful to Sheriff Giles for organizing this donation drive for The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter and The Refuge Sexual Assault Center.

Being in a shelter during Christmas is incredibly hard for our clients and their children, but moments like this make it a little easier. The love, generosity, and compassion shown by the citizens of Wheeler County mean more than words can express.

Thank you for reminding our families that they are seen, valued, and not alone. ❤️🎄@ Glenn Giles

11/25/2025

4️⃣

That’s how many pounds of pressure causes loss of consciousness when applied to the jugular veins

1️⃣1️⃣

That’s how many pounds of pressure causes loss of consciousness when applied to the carotid arteries

🔟

That’s how many seconds of pressure causes loss of consciousness when those pounds of pressure are placed on the jugular veins and/or carotid arteries

5️⃣

That’s how many minutes without oxygen your brain can withstand before brain death occurs

⬇️

Know your facts this Strangulation Awareness Month. Get certified. Stand against the violence.



*Image from Britannica
Britannica Editors (2025, November 20). neck. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/neck-anatomy

11/22/2025

There is no “safe” way to participate in this kind of activity. It carries the same risks as a strangulation assault….potential for acute injury, life long consequences, and death.

As we move through Strangulation Awareness Month, it is important to highlight the dangers of sexual choking (strangulation). Although it is often framed as “normal” or “expected,” it carries serious risks.
Even brief pressure to the neck can cause hidden internal injuries, neurological damage, loss of consciousness, or life-threatening complications that may show up hours or days later.

If you or someone you know has had pressure applied to their neck, whether by someone else or self-inflicted, please seek help. You can reach out to a trusted friend, a healthcare provider, or support services to get the care you need.
By speaking openly and sharing resources, we help protect one another. 💜

🔗 https://www.allianceforhope.org/training-institute-on-strangulation-prevention/resources/what-you-need-to-know-about-sexual-choking
🔗 https://www.allianceforhope.org/training-institute-on-strangulation-prevention/resources/the-choking-game

11/14/2025

It is time to join our team!
The Refuge Sexual Assault Center is hiring a sexual assault/domestic violence full-time advocate! *This position will work Monday through Friday 4p-12a. Additionally, this position will cover call every 4th weekend (Saturday 8am through Monday 8am) and every 4th holiday.
Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Advocates are responsible for advocating for and assisting victims of sexual assault/domestic violence. Training will be provided.
Minimum requirements:
· Must have HS diploma or GED or a combination of education and experience equaling four years of experience working with victims of domestic violence. *Preferred AA degree.
· * Must pass physical exam, drug screen and a criminal record check and have a clean driving record.*
Job Type: Full-time
Resume and 3 professional references must be emailed to sacoordinatorvid@gmail.com. NO PHONE CALLS.