FOLEY – The reality of sexual assault is prevalent no matter where you go. So says Joanne Sheils, executive director of The Lighthouse, the domestic violence shelter in Robertsdale. The hope of addressing such a harsh reality locally and creating ways to help victims is the basis of The Lighthouse Art Competition, which is a joint venture with the Performing Arts Association in Foley.

April is “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” and the latest statistics available show that 51 rapes were reported in this area in 2009. Thirty-nine of those were in Baldwin while 12 were in Escambia, the two-county area served by The Lighthouse, a United Way agency.

According to Sheils, The Lighthouse 24-hour crisis line serves both counties and provides free individual and group counseling to victims. She is quick to point out that a victim does not have to prosecute or file a charge against an assailant to get the services provided by The Lighthouse, which opened its doors in 1994.

“We have had things on our wish-list for 10 or 12 years,” Sheils said, and one of those will hopefully be a little closer to reality as a result of proceeds from The Lighthouse Art Competition. That would be a “s.a.n.e. room” like the one created across the bay in Mobile, which has led to sexual assault being reported more often; “s.a.n.e.” is an acronym for “sexual assault nurses examination” room, where victims of sexual assault are examined and forensic evidence gathered.

“It wasn’t that sexual assault crimes went up over there; it was that victims knew or believed that something was going to be done,” Sheils said.

Artist applications for The Lighthouse Art Competition should be submitted to PAA by March 30. Entry fee is $25. The Best of Show will win a $500 prize and second and third place winners will receive $250 and $100 respectively.

Sheils said a “Hope Award” is also given, that to “a piece of art we think reflects the values of The Lighthouse.” An awards reception will be held April 5 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at PAA’s location, 116 W. Laurel Ave. Bonnie Blaylock, director of PAA, said The Lighthouse Art Competition is “one of the community functions we give to the community. We make zero money after the costs have been met.”

Sixty-two artists entered last year’s competition compared to 12 the first time The Lighthouse and PAA held the event. “Our dream goal is to double last year’s entries,” Blaylock said.