Freedom House rocks!

Rocks are showing up around Parker County in some of the strangest places — in gardens, in windows, and on sidewalks.

Freedom House of Parker County is drawing attention in an artful way to Sexual Assault Awareness Month and crime victims’ rights by placing hand-painted rocks — with the permission of the businesses — near commercial entrances, window sills, and near walkways. The colorful and creative rocks are hand painted by crime victims who are clients of the non-profit aid organization.

If you find one of these rocks and would like to help spread the word, Freedom House encourages to take a picture of the rock, post it on your Facebook page, and tag Freedom House PC.

The organization provides crisis and advocacy services to adults and children who are victims of sexual assault or abuse through counseling, court accompaniment, legal advocacy, and compensation assistance. The group also uses several means to educate the public and remove the stigma of shame or guilt many victims experience.

Victim advocate Nishna Mendez said the rocks are a new idea to spread the word, but pamphlets, brochures, and seminars are the means the group often uses to inform the public of the group’s mission.

“Our clients can visit us, and we also shelter clients that are in dangerous situations. We provide all kinds of services for adults and children,” Mendez said as she placed painted rocks near the entrance of a Parker County business.

Mendez described how professionally conducted play therapy for children allows kids who are victims of abuse to heal and change in a comfortable, happy atmosphere.

Volunteer coordinator Erin Bush described the need for concerned, involved people to help in the office at 1149 Fort Worth Hwy in Weatherford.

“We are always looking for volunteers. Our main need is in the front office answering the phone and giving people information.” Bush said. “We also have a need for bilingual people to help us.”

The group also has a satellite office in Springtown where counseling and interviews are conducted by appointments.

Patti Wilson, who has been on the Freedom House board of directors for several years, is now the executive director of the organization.

“I have always had a heart for helping people, but when I got on the board and found out all the services we provide, I just thought it was wonderful,” Wilson said.

The director explained the organization focuses on the victim and not on the crime. If a victim does not feel they want to go to the police or go to the courts, they don’t have to. Freedom House wants to prevent, help, and heal.

“You can come here, and we’re not going to make you do anything you don’t want to,” Wilson explained. “If you don’t want to report, you don’t have to. But if you do want to report it, we will be there with you all the way to support you.”

The Center for Disease Control estimates 433,000 incidents of sexual assault occur annually, with the vast majority of the victims being female. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports half of women and almost one in three men have experienced sexual violence during their lifetimes.

To volunteer or donate to Freedom House, visit www.freedomhousepc.org or call the office at 817-596-7543. The 24 hour hotline to report sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence is 817-596-8922.