VERSAILLES, Ky. — Sexual abuse does not take a break during the holiday season and neither does the work of victim advocates who do everything in their power to help them.  

What You Need To Know

  • A Versailles woman creates bags filled with necessities for sexual assault survivors

  • She’s asking people to donate in order to put together 12 dignity bags

  • Supplies for each bag costs around $80

  • You can donate directly or buy products from her online store

Survivors sometimes have to leave everything behind after a sexual assault. This project provides them with clothing, toiletries, and other essentials. 

“I really am trying to support survivors of sexual assault. It’s a really long road of healing and I am hoping to just do something in a small way to brighten a very difficult, dramatic time,” said Brittany Goins, who creates the dignity bags and owns Wild Goose Boutique. 

Leading up to Thanksgiving, Goins is fundraising to assemble 12 more bags. It cost around $80 to buy everything needed for each one. Goins says she’s received a good number of donations but more money is needed. 

 “We have had people make purchases which go towards buying items that I buy from a wholesaler, those are the jogger sets and the t-shirts and sports bras, so it’s gone well but we still have a little bit to go,” Goins said. 

Goins will distribute Dignity bags to survivors through a partnership with Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center and the Still Waters Center. Since May, she has put together nearly three dozen bags.

“These are the inspirational gifts that we give out right now. They just say strong, brave and worthy,” Goins said. Proceeds from her online store help pay for the needed supplies. There is an Amazon Wishlist where you can purchase items as well. Goins’ website also accepts donations. 

Ampersand and the Still Waters Center cover a 17-county area of central Kentucky and are based in Lexington. Ampersand can be reached 24/7 at their support line: (859) 253-2511.

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