CLAY COUNTY – Sarah Halpert and Tonya Freeland would happily ditch their careers and find new work in other fields. But they know their work will always be needed – and more – if people cower with the physical and emotional scars of abuse or are victims of sexual violence.

If some feel they are entitled to abuse the sanctity of personal space and the hopeless, Clay County needs combatants like Halpert, the Sexual Assault Services coordinator and advocate, and Freeland, director of Domestic Violence Services at the Quigley House, to fight for people who can’t fight for themselves.

While other organizations hail recognitions, Quigley House marked “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” with various community events to make their services more accessible, staff members admit recognizing sexual abuse is a goal every member is committed to eliminating.

All the while, Halpert said there was a dramatic increase in sexual assault cases in March, based on cases reported in 2024.

“March was the uptick that we saw in 18 and 22 in age, probably because of Spring Break,” Halpert said. “We've had cases where some of the girls suspected something was slipped into their drinks, woke up in a hotel room with no memory of what happened, so we were able to walk them through getting a forensic exam.

“So, first, to determine whether there was any trauma, they should seek further medical attention. We can do some basic stuff, basic first aid. We can do prophylactic medication for infection prevention. We can do forensic exams.”

Exasperated, the victim decides to notify Quigley House, not the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

“When we hear about these girls, and we’re not called, it’s frustrating,” Sheriff Michelle Cook said.

However, when a survivor – Quigley calls all guests survivors instead of victims – approaches the shelter, they aren’t pressured to make dramatic decisions involving law enforcement or long-range decisions. The imminent goal is to find survivors emotionally and physically safe.

Another function of Quigley House is to provide emotional, counseling, educational and housing support to survivors of domestic violence.

Survivors aren’t pressured to file charges or to feel they are at fault for years of assaults.

Freeland said studies showed survivors who’ve finally broken away from the cycle of abuse didn’t do it until the eighth reported case.

“The average drug addict doesn’t get real help until their 10^th case,” she said.

Victims are memorialized by colored T-shirts by family members and friends as part of Operation Clothesline at Quigley House. White tees signify those who died at the hands of their abusers.

Quigley House’s administrative office is on U.S. Highway 17 in Green Cove Springs, but the housing is at a secret location to protect the survivors.

Clay County is also one of the few shelters that have an outside animal pen to facilitate pets. Studies show many people refused to leave abusive relationships because they couldn't leave their pets or their shelters wouldn’t allow animals.

To recognize April as Sexual Assault Month, Quigley House shared other upcoming events for people to support survivors and their advocates.

April 15, 17 and 23: Color the Silence – Meet at local libraries for a unique activity to break the silence surrounding sexual assault.

April 23: Spirit Night at Sonny’s BBQ in Orange Park from 5-8 p.m. – Enjoy a meal and support survivors.

April 30: Denim Day – Wear denim and post it in solidarity with survivors on social media.