1 in every 4 women are sexually assaulted in New Mexico According to the Health Department

New statistics have been released by the Health Department about sexual assault. The statistic: One in 4 women living in Albuquerque will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. That's 25 percent of women living in the state. Those numbers jump among Native American and non-English speaking women. The study found almost one-third were victimized before the age of 12. Many are afraid to say anything at all. "There's a huge emotional trauma that comes with sexual assault, and seeking services is sometimes something people don't know how to do," said Theresa D'Anza with the Albuquerque Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Coalition, or SANE. But there is good news. There was an almost 10 percent increase in the number of sexual assaults reported to law enforcement in 2010. "I think that increase is a result of better education and outreach, people knowing where to get services, recognizing the importance of reports," said D'Anza. Gov. Susana Martinez said the state is working to decrease the number of sexual assaults in the state. "I've seen many women, and I've looked them in the eyes after having been sexually assaulted and what it does to their lives. But I've also seen those women go from a victim to a survivor, if given the right resources," she said. There are many resources out there that are free for anyone who needs them, and many are available 24 hours a day, including the New Mexico Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners Coalition. http://www.koat.com/1-in-every-4-women-are-sexually-assaulted-in-New-Mexico/-/9154444/10956556/-/14b7xta/-/index.html