Today is the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network's (RAINN) Awareness Day. Patriot Reporter Mayci McLeod has an Eye on Health report about what "rape" and "sexual assault" are... and how we can prevent them here in Houston County.

Rape and Sexual Assault are defined as "any unwanted sexual contact"... this could range from unwanted sex to cat calls. Hodac is a social service organization and Rape Crisis Center here in Houston County. I spoke with a Hodac Intervention Coordinator today to learn more about Rape and Sexual Assault prevention.

There is a one in six chance a woman will be raped at some point in her life... and about two thirds of the assaulters are someone the victim knows. Nicole Poss at Hodac says it is never the victim's fault if she is raped.

She says there are some precautions women can take to stay safe. When out, keep drinks in hand, always go out in groups, don't let friends go home with strangers, stay observant, keep a cell phone in hand, have an escort to your car at night, and most of all... continue initiatives to prevent assaulters from raping.

Nicole says there are currently no women's self defense classes in place in Houston County. But if anyone is interested in Hodac developing a women's self defense class, they can call Nicole Poss at (478) 953-5675.

If you need to contact Hodac's 24 hour helpline for rape or abuse assistance, you can call 1-800-388-6745.