A nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual violence is expanding into the Four Corners region.
The Sexual Assault Services Organization, or SASO, plans to open a new office in Cortez on June 1, bringing in-person advocacy services to Montezuma and Dolores counties. The office will be located at 640 East Second Street.
SASO provides free and confidential support to survivors of sexual violence, including a 24-hour hotline, court accompaniment, and help navigating medical care, reporting options, and community resources.
Kelsey Lansing, an advocate with the organization, said the expansion is aimed at improving access to services in a rural region where support can be harder to reach.
“I think specifically looking at advocacy services that were geared towards sexual assault or sexual violence… we’ve just been providing our advocacy… and we’re hoping to get more understanding around that role as an advocate… and how to have those conversations and safety planning with our community,” Lansing said.
Advocates say survivors in rural areas often face additional barriers to getting help. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports those can include long travel distances, limited local services, and concerns about privacy in small communities.
SASO has already been providing services in the region remotely and through partnerships, but the new office will allow for in-person advocacy and stronger connections with local providers.
The organization is working with area partners including hospitals, law enforcement, and social services to coordinate responses and improve support for survivors.
SASO services are free and confidential, and available to anyone impacted by sexual violence.
The organization also plans to host a volunteer training beginning May 23 in Cortez, aimed at building local capacity for advocacy and community education.
For help, SASO’s 24-hour support line is 970-247-5400. More information is available at the organization’s website and social media channels.
