RESOURCES
RAINN’s hotline is a confidential place where you can share openly and ask questions. RAINN’s hotline support specialists are trained to meet the unique needs of survivors. Specialists can provide support and resources, such as referrals for long-term support in your area, local sexual assault services, legal or medical needs, and information about laws in your state.
You can also visit RAINN’s hosts online group chats for 14 to 24-year-old survivors of sexual violence. Chats are moderated for safety and anonymity.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you are not alone. Contact RAINN’s ((Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)) National Sexual Assault Hotline, by calling 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or texting 64673 to connect confidentially with a trained support specialist who’s trained to help. Since 1994, RAINN’s victim service programs have helped over 5 million survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones with support and resources that promote healing, hope, and courage.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & SUPPORT
Amish-Dense State-Specific Advocacy Groups
RECOMMENDED READING
ARTICLES
WITF
Gabriela Martínez
Cosmopolitan Magazine and Type Investigations
Sarah McClure
WHYY
Peter Smith
The New York Times
Malcolm Gay
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Peter Smith and Shelly Bradbury
BOOKS
Lyn Barrett
Lizzie Hershberger
Compiled by Dena Schrock and Margaret Schwartz
Kay Rose
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC), in partnership with Safe Communities and the Lancaster Law Foundation, developed a program to recruit and train Pennsylvania Dutch speakers from Plain Communities (Amish, Mennonite, Hutterites) to become certified court interpreters for Pennsylvania Dutch, the language spoken by Amish, Mennonite and other Plain communities across the country.
Why This Is Important
More than 400,000 people across the United States speak Pennsylvania Dutch at home. In criminal cases like sexual abuse, where evidence may be limited, having witness testimony is critical in criminal and civil proceedings when building a case. Court interpreters help ensure accurate and credible testimony.
For a list of Pennsylvania Dutch Court interpreters on the Office of Pennsylvania Courts website, click here.
If you, or someone you know is fluent in PA Dutch, and would like to take part, please call 717-299-8047 or email AOPCInterpreterProgram@pacourts.us