The Refuge Sexual Assault Center

04/22/2026

Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. By the time you finish reading this post, that statistic has happened again.

Sexual violence isn't rare. It isn't inevitable. And it isn't something awareness alone can stop. It takes action, accountability, and professionals who are trained to recognize and respond.

That's what CCAW is for. Join us.

04/22/2026

Hard working, dedicated, caring….meet our daytime dual advocate, Traci!!

Hi, my name is Traci Copeland. I earned my Associate of Science degree in General Studies in 2023 and I am one year away from having my BS in Psychology. It has been my pleasure for the past 7 years to work at The Refuge as a Dual Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Advocate. I’ve built strong relationships, grown in my role, and stayed committed to making a real impact in the lives of those we serve.

Outside of work, I’m a full-time mom to a baby boy my biggest motivation and the reason I push myself to be better every day. That same strength, consistency, and dedication shows up in the work I do.

I show up with purpose, lead with compassion, and take pride in being someone others can rely on. I’m excited to keep growing and making a difference here at The Refuge. 💙

04/20/2026

We would love to see you💙

We would love to see you💜

04/20/2026

🗣️ Consent is key! Let's talk about the importance of understanding and respecting boundaries. Consent means giving permission for something to happen, and it should always be clear, informed, and voluntary. Remember, it's not just a one-time agreement; consent can be revoked at any time.

Let's educate ourselves and others about what consent truly means! 🤝💖

🌟

04/19/2026

Educating at every opportunity! With the invitation to speak at a gathering of Solicitors-General from across the state on the topic of strangulation assaults, we had to say yes!

We hope these professionals learned a little bit about the lethality of these assaults and how to better handle cases presented to them.

Always advocating for the victim and raising awareness to those who care for them, at every level.

04/13/2026

✈️ Fun fact about Raven….she just got back from a week-long conference, learning how to better care for, and be a voice for our amazing survivors! The Refuge works hard to make sure our team is the best, and we take continuing education and constant learning very seriously!

Hi! My name is Raven Way. I live in Swainsboro but grew up in Alabama and Texas and fun fact I was born in Germany! I have been working for The Refuge for a year and a half. In my free time I love to play video games and build legos. I became an advocate because I truly have a passion for helping others. I strive to be someone people can turn to—an outlet, a safe space, and a reminder that they are not alone, even in their hardest moments.

04/09/2026

04/08/2026

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