YWCA responds to new Allen County Women’s and Girls’ study

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) - A new study shows 40 percent of Allen County women say they’ve experienced domestic or sexual violence, and local advocates say that number is climbing.

The new Allen County Women and Girls study points to a troubling picture, showing just how common sexual harassment and violence are in our community.

Jennifer Rohlf with the YWCA says she sees the reality behind the numbers.

“We see that sexual violence of different forms, different types is an experience that many women have had throughout their lifetime.” Jennifer Rohlf.

Rolf says the need is clear. In the last year alone, the YWCA served over 600 survivors of domestic violence and more than 100 survivors of sexual violence.

She says, although the numbers have grown by 30% since 2020, conversations abou