BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention month in Kern County. The Open Door Network continues its partnership with Bakersfield police and the sheriff’s office to prevent, heal, and find justice.
“Sexual violence impacts individuals of every age, background and neighborhood. But behind every statistic is a person,” said Lauren Skidmore, the Open Door Network CEO.
The statistics are harrowing — Bakersfield police received 59 sexual assault reports in 2025, and 19 so far this year. The Bakersfield Police Department has 13 officers in its special victims unit — the task force handling cases of sexual assault.
Assistant Bakersfield Police Chief Brent Stratton said 85% of sexual assaults are caused by someone the victim knows or in a position of trust.
“It’s very difficult often times for victims to be vulnerable. To be able to communicate everything that occurred. They’re dealing with betrayal and mistrust and physical harm and emotional harm.”
And more often than not, Skidmore said sexual assault and domestic violence go hand in hand.
“We know that domestic violence can usually start in a more verbal fashion, it could lead to physical, and then it can lead into sexual assault.”
On the law enforcement side, Bakersfield has seen an uptick in domestic violence homicides, while gang-related homicides have gone down.
“The proportional amount of domestic violence related homicides are increasing. So we’re wanting to see if we can apply the model towards group and gang violence to domestic violence related homicides as well,” said Stratton.
Some of the warning signs include: if your loved one is being more reclusive, asking their partner permission to do things, and physical signs.
But Skidmore said there are resources for victims to utilize. “There is a confidential resource with the Open Door Network, and law enforcement is there if you are open and willing.”
The Open Door Network will also help with filing restraining orders.
If you’re a survivor of sexual assault, help is available. You can call the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-4673. In Bakersfield, you can reach out to the Open Door Network or the Family Justice Center. Both organizations provide walk-in services.
Resources for sexual assault survivors
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