(KNOXVILLE, Tenn.) In 2018, nearly 400 people in Knox County reported a sexual assault to law enforcement officers. McNabb Center’s Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee (SACET) is a resource for victims of sexual assault and works with community partners, including local law enforcement agencies, to provide education, advocacy and therapy services.

In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the Knoxville Police Department, Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the University of Tennessee Police Department will place “End Sexual Violence” magnets on official vehicles. These magnets highlight a commitment to raising awareness of the sexual violence issues in our community.

“The Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee is proud of its longstanding partnership with KPD, KCSO and UTPD,” said Leann Human-Hilliard, McNabb Center regional clinical vice president. “By working together, we can combat the issue of sexual violence and provide compassionate care for sexual assault crime victims.”

“The Knoxville Police Department is proud to partner with the McNabb Center to help increase awareness of the seriousness of sexual violence and immeasurable impact it can have in the community,” said Chief Eve Thomas. “Nobody is free from the threat of sexual violence. Simply put, it can affect anybody anywhere. We all must work together with diligence to bring these issues to light and prevent those in our community from suffering through the trauma inflicted by sexual assault, harassment or abuse.”

“The Knox County Sheriff’s Office appreciates and values the important work the McNabb Center does to combat sexual violence,” said Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler. “As Sheriff of Knox County, I am committed to bringing awareness to sexual violence in our community. We will continue to be tough on crime while remembering the impact violent crime has on the victim(s).”

“It’s always a great opportunity to partner with community organizations to bring awareness to this very serious issue of sexual violence,” said UTPD Assistant Chief Sean Patterson.

For more information about the Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee (SACET) or Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), please follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SACETN

To make a financial gift to SACET, please text SACET to 243-725 or visit mcnabbcenter.org/donate and select Sexual Assault Center of East Tennessee under “Fund/Campaign.”

The McNabb Center is the region’s leading nonprofit provider of mental health, substance use, social and victim services. By focusing on an individual’s “Well Mind, Well Being,” we provide a quality and compassionate approach to care from infancythrough adulthood. Since 1948, the Center has proudly served individuals with the most needs and fewest resources. Today, the McNabb Center delivers support to more than 30,000 people throughout East Tennessee each year. For moreinformation, visit www.mcnabbcenter.org or call 1-800-255-9711.

The McNabb Center