More reaction Friday to the Bakersfield Police Department's statistics showing that sexual assaults are way up.
The department says sexual assault in Bakersfield rose 44 percent in 2012.
Victims advocates like Louis Gill from the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault and the Bakersfield Homeless Center say locally there are steps in place to combat the issue.
"Locally there are a few things we can do," Gill said. "More officers on the street are always a good idea. I believe that Bakersfield City Council is trying to do something about that, but we have a problem that is coming from the state level. We have the state pushing prisoners into our county facility and we do not have the bed space. Our problem starts with the state. That's where we need to put pressure."
Gill is referring to AB 109 which allows non-violent inmates to be passed from state prison to county jails due to overcrowding.
However, 17 News spoke with Bakersfield Police earlier today and they said only one person who has been released due to overcrowding has committed a sexual assault.
It is a problem that does not have an easy solution. If you are victim of sexual assault or domestic violence you are not alone and there is help for you 24 hours a day. You can call 661-327-1091 to talk to a live person about getting help.
The department says sexual assault in Bakersfield rose 44 percent in 2012.
Victims advocates like Louis Gill from the Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault and the Bakersfield Homeless Center say locally there are steps in place to combat the issue.
"Locally there are a few things we can do," Gill said. "More officers on the street are always a good idea. I believe that Bakersfield City Council is trying to do something about that, but we have a problem that is coming from the state level. We have the state pushing prisoners into our county facility and we do not have the bed space. Our problem starts with the state. That's where we need to put pressure."
Gill is referring to AB 109 which allows non-violent inmates to be passed from state prison to county jails due to overcrowding.
However, 17 News spoke with Bakersfield Police earlier today and they said only one person who has been released due to overcrowding has committed a sexual assault.
It is a problem that does not have an easy solution. If you are victim of sexual assault or domestic violence you are not alone and there is help for you 24 hours a day. You can call 661-327-1091 to talk to a live person about getting help.