What's on this page: Sexual Assault Crisis Center Mission | Services for Survivors | Education and Prevention Services SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS CENTER MISSION The Sexual Assault Crisis Center provides quality services for all victims of sexual assault and abuse, and promotes a peaceful, just society through advocacy and education in partnership with the community. We are committed to excellence in the provision of services to our clients through continued professional development and equitable treatment of our staff and volunteers. SERVICES FOR SURVIVORS Crisis Intervention Staff and trained volunteers offer immediate help for those who have been sexually assaulted/abused, their friends and family members. Crisis counseling is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the crisis line. During regular business hours, in-person emergency appointments are also available. Forensic (Legal) Nursing Following a sexual assault, specially trained registered nurses (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) are available through the Sexual Assault Crisis Center to examine survivors, screen for injury, provide preventative healthcare and collect valuable forensic evidence for later use in court (should the survivor decide to prosecute). Forensic nurses can serve survivors at hospital emergency rooms or the SafeCenter. The SafeCenter, a program of the Sexual Assault Crisis Center, uses the most up-to-date equipment and procedures and is designed to be as comfortable and secure as possible for recent sexual assault victims. Accompaniment and Advocacy Survivors must make crucial decisions about what to do following a sexual assault-whether to seek healthcare, report the crime or take legal action. Advocates from the Sexual Assault Crisis Center can answer questions, provide practical assistance and help survivors make informed decisions. Advocates are also available to accompany (be with) survivors during forensic exams, police interviews, legal appointments and court. The Sexual Assault Crisis Center works to ensure that survivors' legal rights and options are protected. Counseling Through counseling, survivors learn to understand and cope with their feelings, thoughts and reactions. Counseling can also help survivors recover a sense of safety and self-esteem that is often disrupted by sexual assault/abuse. Survivors are encouraged to talk with a counselor, regardless of whether the assault/abuse happened recently or long ago. Even if the person who was assaulted/abused does not participate, counseling for loved ones is encouraged to help them understand their own reactions and how to help survivors. Counseling for children and adults is available in several counties. Support Groups In support groups, people who share a common experience meet to give and receive support, understanding and hope. The Sexual Assault Crisis Center offers a wide variety of support groups for women, men and children who are sexual assault/abuse survivors as well as groups for parents and partners. Some groups meet every week to talk. Other groups meet for only a short time, or teach a new skill. Some groups use creative expressions or physical activities to enhance the healing process. Participants in support groups may attend regularly or only when they need extra support. A Master's level therapist is always present at support group meetings. Confidentiality is stressed. There is no pressure to talk in the groups-whatever feels comfortable is all that is expected. Call SACC to find out which support groups are meeting and how to get involved. Current support groups include: Women's Survivor Group Men's Group Creative Expressions Group Healing from a Sexual Assault Spiritual Issues Group Therapeutic and Educational Groups In addition to individual and family therapy sessions, SACC also offers therapy groups facilitated by Master's level clinicians. Groups may be classified as therapeutic, educational or support groups. Most therapeutic and educational groups are time-limited, often 10 sessions, in length. Some are offered several times a year; others are offered once a year. Therapeutic and educational groups that are currently offered or scheduled for this year include: Education group Dreams Work group Confrontation/Disclosure group EDUCATION AND PREVENTION SERVICES Public Education The Sexual Assault Crisis Center offers education and awareness programs for the community on recognizing sexual assault risk factors, planning for safety, understanding personal rights and responsibilities, and learning what to do if sexual assault happens. Any group or organization can call for more information about our public education programs. Child Sexual Abuse Recognition and Prevention Training programs are regularly provided for staff of schools, daycare centers, youth organizations and are available to any group that wants information about the indicators of child sexual abuse, effects of abuse on children, how to respond to abuse disclosures, and reporting requirements. Information, counseling and support are available to anyone to improve her/his sexual abuse prevention and parenting skills. In-School Programs Prevention programs are offered in elementary, middle, high schools and colleges to teach students how to recognize early warning signs of danger and get safely away from bullying, sexual harassment, sexual abuse, relationship violence, date/acquaintance rape and sexual assault. These programs are age-appropriate and school-approved. Evaluations indicate that children who participate in these programs are learning important safety concepts and problem-solving skills. Self-Defense R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) classes are offered for women and girls to teach sexual assault risk reduction and instruction in physical self-defense techniques. Break a Legacy Productions: Children's Theater For many years the Sexual Assault Crisis Center has been offering live educational theater programs for children. Master's level therapists tour with all performances to answer audience questions and assist in following up with any child who discloses abuse. "No More Secrets," an upbeat and entertaining musical, teaches children in elementary schools that sexual abuse is not their fault and the importance of telling a trusted adult if abuse is happening. "No Do-Overs" helps at-risk teens in middle and high schools learn and practice sexual assault and violence prevention skills. Other in-school and summer programs are also available. Professional Training and Consultation The Sexual Assault Crisis Center is often called upon to consult with and train other community professional who seek advice and information about assisting sexual assault/abuse survivors. SACC routinely trains criminal justice, health, education, faith and social service professionals to help them stay up-to-date and able to meet the special needs of these individuals. 24-Hour Crisis Line Staff and trained volunteers offer immediate assistance via a 24 hour, 7 day a week crisis line, to those who have been sexually assaulted or abused. In addition, callers to the crisis line may receive information regarding sexual assault/abuse and referrals to appropriate agencies. Literature and Publications Written information, books, journals and videos are available at the Sexual Assault Crisis Center. Anyone interested in receiving regular mailings of informational newsletters can call to be added to the mailing list. 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