March Awareness March is a time to honor the strength, resilience, and transformative leadership of women everywhere. In celebration of Women’s Empowerment Month, STACC recognizes the courage of survivors, the power of collective advocacy, and the profound impact women have in shaping safer, more just communities. We uplift the voices that have too often been silenced and reaffirm our commitment to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. This month, and every month, we stand beside those who rise, who lead, who heal, and who create pathways of hope for future generations.

Prevention and Education - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center Prevention and Education The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center values the role of education in creating a community of support for survivors in addition to the prevention of sexual trauma & abuse. The CARE Center Education Team offers a variety of innovative presentations, trainings, and resources. Community Education and Prevention Interactive workshops are available to help the community understand the issue of sexual assault and harassment, consent, rape culture, bystander intervention, and what we can each do to help victims & survivors. Whether you’re looking for an introductory conversation on consent or an advanced discussion on rape culture, we’ve got a presentation to fit your needs. Request Now Professional Trainings We offer a variety of professional trainings and presentations to service providers, hospital staff, law enforcement, youth services, school staff, workplaces, and more. Trainings topics include: sexual trauma & consent, how to support victim-survivors of sexual trauma & abuse, sexual harassment in the workplace, trauma-informed care, The CARE Center services & more. Request Now Youth Education Consent education is important for youth of all ages! Our Talking about Touching modified curriculum is an evidence-based curriculum on personal safety for ages K-3. We also provide middle school and high school lessons that is interactive and discussion based that covers topics like healthy boundaries, gender roles, and self-care. Request Now Request a Presentation or Training Presentation Topics: Sexual Trauma & Abuse 101 Consent 101 Agency Services How to Support Survivors How to Support Survivors (For Service Providers) Rape Culture Rape Culture & Intersecting Oppressions Crisis Response to Sexual Trauma & Abuse Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Sexual Trauma & Abuse and Underserved Populations (LGBTQ, rural, men, etc.) Stalking and Sexual Assault Sex Work & Sex Trafficking Childhood Sexual Abuse “Talking about Touching” (K-3rd grade) Middle school & high school lessons Request Now

Advocacy and Response at The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center 24/7 Advocacy and Response Every Call is Answered: 785-843-8985 24/7 Support Line The CARE Center Advocates are available on our 24/7 support hotline. Our trained Advocates provide supportive counseling, information and options, safety planning, and more. Call Now Medical Advocacy Advocacy and support are available at the hospital during evidence collection exams. We work with hospital staff to offer information and emotional support to survivors in order to ensure that you get the care that is best for you. Advocates can also help you to obtain follow-up medical care that you might need, accompany you to medical appointments, and offer information and referrals in order to address any injury or physical health concerns caused by sexual trauma or abuse. Learn more by visiting our Going to the Hospital page. Learn More Police and Court Advocacy Advocates can answer any questions you may have about reporting sexual trauma or abuse and are available during interviews with law enforcement to provide advocacy and emotional support. Advocates also provide court advocacy, which includes assistance with filing protection orders, accompaniment to court hearings, obtaining legal representation, navigating through legal proceedings, and more. Learn more by visiting our Reporting & Protection Orders page. Learn More Personal Advocacy Advocates are also available to talk in person or via Zoom (video-conference) to address any questions or concerns you may have. Sexual trauma and abuse can affect many parts of your life including work, school, finances, housing, health, and more. The CARE Center Advocates take your lead and can help you with a variety of needs that include applying for crime victim’s compensation, taking time off from work and school, and securing other social services that you might need. Call Now

Browse the handouts and downloads offered by STACC. Handouts and Downloads The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center is always striving to provide quality resources and innovative educational materials to victim-survivors and the community-at-large. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or request for print materials. Agency Materials CARE Center Brochure CARE Center folleto en español Survivor Series Male Surviors Youth Survivors Large Print Materials The CARE Center Brochure CARE Center folleto en español Youth Survivor Series Educational Materials Self Care for Survivors Trauma-Informed Care: A Service Provider’s Guide to Supporting Adult Survivors How to Support Adult Survivors Neurobiology of Trauma Rape Culture 101 Working with Children & Youth Victim-Survivors and their Caregivers

Learn about the Safe Bar Alliance - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center Safe Bar Alliance City of Lawrence Ordinance 9566 Starting October 2020, The City of Lawrence’s Ordinance 9566 went into effect requiring front end managers of drinking establishments to go through a bystander intervention training with a focus on sexual violence prevention. The CARE Center currently offers online trainings twice a month. To register for upcoming trainings, contact us . The 90 minute training will cover the following learning objectives: Sexual violence definition, education, and support options Bystander intervention techniques Identification, barriers to intervention, intervention strategies with a focus on de-escalation and safety Strategies for follow-up with patrons and staff Strategies for communicating policies to staff, accessing ongoing support and resources For more information or questions, contact our Community Engagement team! Contact Us Sign up for COBI Here! SafeBar Alliance provides education and bystander intervention training to participating bars and drinking establishments, and strengthens relationships that prioritize community safety. Its goal is to keep both bar staff and patrons safer from predatory behavior, harassment, and sexual assault. Good things happen when we create an environment where everyone is working together and looking out for each other. Look for the Logo! Education and Training Bar staff and patrons often witness alarming behaviors and are able to take action that can prevent sexual violence from happening, or help connect victims to the support and resources they need. SafeBar Alliance training builds upon the skills and experience bar staff already have and educates them about sexual violence myths, consent, and drug and alcohol-facilitated sexual assault. It also gives staff strategies to help them safely deescalate or intervene in a potentially unsafe situation, and to become more confident in making these important decisions quickly. Because every bar has a unique staff, atmosphere, and clientele, each bar will discuss an individual intervention strategy that best meets their particular needs. Trainings take 2 hours, and are available nights and weekends to fit bars’ busy schedules. Community Connections Bar staff learn about how to utilize community resources like The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center. A SafeBar rep from each bar will help the bar stay connected to the CARE Center, and to other bars in the SafeBar Alliance. Through this network, we work to make the prevention of sexual violence both a priority of individual establishments and a value of the entire community. Join the SafeBar Alliance! SafeBar Alliance bars are provided with free giveaway items of their choice including SafeBar Alliance posters that let patrons know they’re in a SafeBar Alliance establishment. During training, all staff will also receive SafeBar Alliance booklets containing useful intervention techniques. To schedule a training in Douglas, Franklin, or Jefferson Counties, Contact Us If you live in another community... If you live in another community and want to learn more about starting a SafeBar Alliance program, please contact us! We conduct remote trainings for facilitators, and can provide you with many of the materials you’ll need to get SafeBar Alliance started where you live. Current members in Lawrence, KS: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 852 (2016) The Bourgeois Pig (2017) Bon Bon (2017) Lawrence Beer Company (2018) KU Dining (2018- 2019) John Brown Underground (2019) Kaw Valley Public House (2019) Henry T’s (2019) Replay Lounge (2016, 2020) Fields & Ivy Brewery (2020) Wake The Dead (2020) J. Wilson’s (2019, 2021) Gaslight Gardens (2017, 2019, 2021) Harbour Lights (2016, 2021) 715 (2017, 2021) Johnny’s Tavern – North Lawrence (2019, 2021) The Granada (2017, 2019, 2021) The Bottleneck (2021) Abe & Jake’s (2019, 2021) Lucia (2019, 2021) Louise’s West (2016, 2022) Merchants Pub & Plate (2017, 2022) Johnny’s Tavern – West Lawrence (2019, 2022) The Burger Stand at The Casbah (2016, 2017, 2022) RPG (Restaurant, Pub & Games) (2022) Red Lyon Tavern (2017, 2022) (Date indicates year of initial training)

Sex Trafficking Advocate We are seeking an individual to provide immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, and trauma-informed advocacy to survivors of sex trafficking. This role acts as a liaison between the survivor and first responders (police, hospital, Child Protective Services) to ensure immediate safety and agency for survivors with a concentration on sex trafficking survivors. Click the link to view FULL Job Description below. To apply, send an email with your cover letter & resume to support@stacarecenter.org Job Description

About Our Organization - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center About Us The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center was founded in 1972 and was the first rape crisis center in the state of Kansas. The mission of The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center is to promote a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to anyone affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. The CARE Center envisions a community free of sexual trauma & abuse while supporting healing for survivors. Our Mission We are rooted in the community. Since 1972, The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center has provided support for victims and survivors of sexual trauma and abuse. We were born out of grassroots efforts as the first rape crisis center in Kansas and one of the first centers in the U.S. The CARE Center is dedicated to serving people of all ages and genders, being an innovative leader in the field of sexual assault support and prevention, and continuing to promote a culture of consent here in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties and beyond. We envision a community free of sexual trauma & abuse. Our work is grounded in a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. We’re dedicated to ensuring both the safety and agency of our clients. We take our clients’ lead and are prepared to provide a range of services to meet an individual’s needs. Since everyone’s experience is unique, our services are flexible and individualized to best serve our clients. We are dedicated to providing free, confidential, and accessible services. The CARE Center is dedicated to providing free and confidential services to our clients. All of our services, including counseling, crisis response, advocacy, and education are 100% free of charge. No proof of insurance or documentation status is required. Services can also be accessed at any time in a survivor’s life, regardless of when a traumatic event has occurred. We’re always here. Our History In response to a number of sexual assaults that were happening on the University of Kansas campus, a group of innovative women began to coordinate a response and create a community of survivors and supporters who were committed to addressing rape and sexual assault on campus and in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1978, the organization was incorporated as the Rape Victim Support Services and was known in the community as RVSS for 30 years. In 1978 co-directors Polly Pettit & Kathy Hoggard of Douglas County Rape Victim Support Services speak to a group of senior citizens. In 2004, the agency changed the name to GaDuGi SafeCenter in order to provide a more inclusive name for survivors and to recognize the expansion of services. GaDuGi (GAH-doo-ghee) is a Cherokee word that means “working together in a community sense.” Over the years, as the agency has expanded services to all of Douglas County and farther out to Jefferson and Franklin Counties with agency offices in Oskaloosa and Ottawa respectively. 2015 was a year of growth for the agency with the expansion of youth services, therapeutic services in Jefferson and Franklin Counties, and the education program. In October 2015, the agency announced the name change to “The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center”. Now you know our history, we invite you to become part of Our Future Donate Volunteer

FAQs about The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Questions About Assault and Abuse What is sexual trauma and abuse? Sexual trauma can be many things and we use this as an umbrella term to describe any sexual act that is imposed on another person without their consent. Oftentimes the word “abuse” is used to indicate that the violence was long-term. This can be a one-time event or an ongoing experience and does not have to be physically violent. Everyone reacts to sexual trauma in their own way and everyone’s response afterwards is different, too. Examples of sexual trauma and abuse could be sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, street harassment, childhood sexual abuse, incest, sex trafficking, online sexual violence, and intimate partner sexual violence. Was I raped or abused? Trying to figure out what happened or how you feel about what happened can be very difficult, but this is a question that only a victim-survivor can answer for themselves. Here are two things to consider: Legal Definitions: Each state has different statutes, laws, and terminology related to sexual assault, rape, and abuse. Sex crimes have very precise legal definitions. Personal Definitions: Each person’s experience with sexual trauma or abuse is unique and very personal. The way we define our experiences can look very different from person to person. We live in a society that blames victims and survivors for their assaults and it’s common for us to second guess ourselves or doubt ourselves. If you believe you were sexually assaulted, raped, abused or whatever words you use to describe your experience – that is what happened and The Care Center believes and supports you. What is consent? Consent is a freely-given, informed, ongoing, and clearly communicated agreement. Consent is crucial for our personal and sexual relationships. Consent is an ongoing conversation among everyone involved. It’s not a one-time question with a one-time “yes” or “no” answer. Consent given on a Tuesday does not mean consent is given on a Thursday. It’s important that each person checks in before moving on to the next thing to maintain open and honest lines of communication. Some examples of what it looks like to ask for consent could be something as simple as, “Do you want to do ____?” or “Is it okay if I ____?” or “You said you were interested in ____ but it looks like maybe you changed your mind. Do you want to talk?” If someone has said “I’m not sure” or “Maybe later” or if they are silent, this is NOT consent. It’s important to listen and respect the other person’s decisions. Coercive consent is where someone is pressured to say “yes” out of fear of violence or humiliation or because they believe it is expected of them. It’s not actually consent because it doesn’t allow the person to make their own choices. What are normal emotions or reactions to sexual trauma or abuse? There isn’t one way that victims or survivors feel after experiencing sexual trauma or abuse. Every emotion is valid and real. Here are some examples of emotions or reactions that a victim or survivor might have. Anxiety, fear, depression Physical health symptoms Flashbacks, intrusive and distressing memories of the violence Disorientation and difficulty concentrating Self-blame, guilt, and shame “Shutting down”, avoidance, or emotional numbing Coping responses: Everyone responds differently to trauma. Survivors may use a variety of coping mechanisms including: alcohol/drug use, social isolation, anger and aggressive behavior toward others, avoidance, cutting, disordered eating, high-risk sexual behaviors, etc. It’s okay for a survivor to have happy experiences!Everyone reacts differently and it’s okay for survivors of trauma to still experience joy and happiness. This might be seen as avoidance by others, but every emotion the survivor experiences is real and valid. What happened to me wasn't rape - can I still get services? Yes. Sexual trauma and abuse is a broad definition and everyone has their own words they use to describe their experiences. We work with people of all ages and genders who have experienced sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, street harassment, childhood sexual abuse, incest, sex trafficking, online sexual violence, and intimate partner sexual violence. Additionally, all of our services are also available to family, friends, and loved ones of people who have experienced sexual trauma and abuse. What if I was drinking (or they were drinking) during the assault? Alcohol or drugs do not cause sexual assault. If you were under the influence and experienced a sexual assault, it was not your fault. They are used as tools by perpetrators to facilitate assault. Additionally, alcohol or drugs do not excuse a perpetrator’s behavior. People have a right to be under the influence and not be sexually assaulted. If you are under the drinking age or were using drugs, you can still get the support you need. Call The CARE Center advocates to learn more and explore your options at 785-843-8985. I didn't resist or fight back, can I still call it rape or assault? People react to traumatic situations in a lot of different ways. Some people fight back, some people flee. More often than “fight or flight” is what’s called the “freeze” response where the body’s instinct is to protect itself from further violence. Other responses could include “dissociation” (where the brain “checks out” from what is happening to the body as a survival mechanism) or “please or appease” (where the person participates or initiates contact as a way to control the violence they are experiencing.) The ways our bodies react are normal responses to trauma and everyone is different. Just because someone doesn’t resist or fight back (or if they do so unsuccessfully) does not mean their experience isn’t as real or valid. I don't really remember what happened - what are my options? Trauma often has a big impact on our memory and it’s normal to not remember anything or have gaps in your memory. Sometimes we know that something happened even if we can’t remember the details. It’s also not uncommon for someone’s recollection of events to change over time. Even if you don’t remember everything, but you’re interested in going to the hospital or making a report, you can still do so. All of The CARE Center services like counseling, support groups, and advocacy are available to you as well. Do I have to make a police report? No, that choice is completely up to you. People have lots of good reasons to want to make a report, just like people who choose not to report. You are the expert on your life and what is best for you. To learn more about the different types of reporting, visit our Reporting & Protection Orders page which also contains information about mandated reporting for children or vulnerable adults. My child told me they experienced abuse - what are my options? If your child disclosed abuse to you, it’s very important to listen and believe them. There are three main options for reporting child abuse: hospital, police, and Department of Children & Families (DCF). At The Care Center, we have a Youth Advocate on staff that can help you navigate these options. It is important to note that while our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, there are certain circumstances in which we may feel the need to make a report. This is always communicated before a report of any kind is made. DCF’s website has information about making a report of child abuse which be viewed here. The CARE Center Advocates are available to help you make a report if you need support during that process. Can I do a forensic exam and then wait to make a report? Yes. Since the evidence is time sensitive, some people want to make sure they do the exam as soon as possible, but want more time to decide if they want to file a police report. The Kansas Bureau of Investigations (KBI) holds kits for up to 5 years and it stays anonymous unless you decide to file a report and a case is opened. To learn more about forensic exams, visit our Going to the Hospital page. Someone I know just told me they experienced sexual trauma or abuse. What can I do to help? It can be really difficult when someone talks to us about their experiences, especially if we’re not sure how to help. The most important thing you can do to support a victim or survivor of sexual trauma or abuse is to believe them. It is not your role to question whether rape or abuse occurred. False rape reports are no more or less common than false reports for other violent crimes. Victim-survivors are the experts on their lives. Never blame them for being assaulted or abused. No one ever deserves to be assaulted. Questions like “Why didn’t you tell anyone?” or “Why were you drinking?” are placing the blame on the victim. Avoid “count your blessings” statements that may be heard as judgmental and possibly trivialize what happened such as “it could have been worse” or “you’re lucky you weren’t hurt badly”, etc. Let them know, “It wasn’t your fault.” Don’t take charge of the situation and pressure them to do what you think they should. Encourage the person to get the help they feel they need. The CARE Center advocates are trained to help explain and understand options. There is no “right” or “wrong” way for a survivor to respond after experiencing abuse or assault. Listen to them. It is crucial to let the survivor know that they can talk when they are ready. Some may not wish to speak with you immediately. But at some point during their process, they might come to you for support. When that happens, don’t interrupt or interject your feelings. Just listen. Your caring but silent attention will be invaluable. Take care of your own emotional needs. The CARE Center services are available to friends and family as well. Sexual trauma and abuse affects us all and you deserve support, too. Questions About Our Services What is an Advocate? The CARE Center advocates are specially trained staff and volunteers who are here to listen and support people affected by sexual trauma and abuse. The role of an advocate is to believe victims and survivors. Advocates do not tell anyone what to do, but they can help someone explore options, make sure they are informed about services, and support whatever decisions the victim or survivor believes is best for them. I'm under 18. Can I still get help? All of our services including 24/7 support line are available to people of all ages. If you have questions about whether a report is necessary, advocates can discuss those options and answer questions about the reporting process if that’s what you’re interested in doing. It is important to note that while our volunteer and staff advocates are not mandated reporters, there are certain circumstances in which we may feel the need to make a report. This is always communicated before a report of any kind is made however. Do you serve lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender/gender non-conforming survivors? Yes. None of our services are gender specific and our advocates are specially trained to make our services accessible and safe for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We recognize the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, and Two-Spirit survivors regardless of who their perpetrator is. What can counseling or support groups offer me? Counseling and support groups can help in a variety of ways. It can help to reduce shame and guilt by understanding that the assault or abuse was not your fault. Our counselors can help process your feelings of confusion or anxiety. Counseling and support groups also offer education on how trauma affects the brain and the body. You can learn about your symptoms and gain coping skills for managing them. Many people find a benefit in having a dedicated, private place to talk to someone about their experiences that is separate from their workplace or home life. Want to learn more about counseling and support groups at The CARE Center? Visit our Therapy & Support Group page. I was a kid when I was abused - what options are available to me? Even if your experience was a long time ago and legal options may be limited, it’s never too late to get the help you need. All of our services are available to any who has experienced or been affected by sexual violence no matter when the violence occurred. Contact The CARE Center Advocates at 785-843-8985 to learn more about your options.

Community Partners - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center Our Values We want all people to feel like a supported and valued member of our community when they work with us. We have a strong Lawrence base, but we also work with a variety of people. Although there is not one face for sexual violence, we have the opportunity to use our platform to provide a unified voice for a lot of different experiences to fight for change. Community Partners Elizabeth Layton Center (ELC) Douglas Co. Sheriff’s Office Douglas Co. Kansas Legal Services Douglas Co. District Attorney’s Office Lawrence Douglas County Health Lawrence Memorial Hospital Douglas Co. District Court Franklin Co. District Court Jefferson Co. Attorney’s Office Franklin Co. Jail Baldwin City PD Heartland Community Health Center Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center Ottawa University Counseling Center Independence Inc First Step at Lakeview USD 497 USD 348 USD 340 Baker University Ottawa University Haskell Indian Nations University Neosho Community College Willow Domestic Violence Center Lawrence Community Shelter Children's Advocacy Center Douglas County DCCCA NAACP

After an Assault - Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center YOU ARE NOT ALONE. After an Assault What is Sexual Assault? Sexual trauma can be many things and we use this as an umbrella term to describe any sexual act that is imposed on another person without their consent. Oftentimes the word “abuse” is used to indicate that the violence was ongoing or long-term. This can be a one-time event or an ongoing experience and does not have to be physically violent. Everyone reacts to sexual trauma in their own way and everyone’s response afterwards is different, too. Examples of sexual trauma and abuse could be sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, street harassment, childhood sexual abuse, familial sexual abuse, sex trafficking, online sexual harassment, and sexual violence in relationships. You can reach out to The CARE Center at any point in your life, no matter when the trauma occurred. What Are My Options? Talk to an Advocate Go to the Hospital Make a Police Report Talk to a Counselor or Therapist After experiencing sexual trauma or abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do. There are many options available and you get to make the decision that feels best to you. You are not alone and The CARE Center is here to help. You can explore our website for more information and resources and an Advocate is always available at 785-843-8985 .

Learn how you can make a difference as a volunteer of STACC! Volunteer at The CARE Center The CARE Center volunteers are crucial to the work we do. When the agency was started in 1972, it was completely volunteer run and volunteers continue to be the heart of The CARE Center. Become a Volunteer! Volunteer Advocate Opportunities Volunteer Advocates work closely with the Victim Advocate and staff advocates to provide after-hours direct service to primary and secondary victim-survivors of sexual trauma & abuse. Volunteer Advocates provide confidential, trauma-informed advocacy and support to victim-survivors of all ages and genders within Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. The CARE Center is committed to making sure our Advocates are diverse and representative of the community. We encourage men, Spanish language speakers, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples & people of color, LGBTQIA+ people & survivors of sexual trauma to apply. Training is 40 hours (usually over the course of 5-6 weeks) and is full of valuable information on sexual assault. counseling skills, and crisis support. Each fall, spring, and summer a new training is held. Advocates must be 18 years old and over. Monthly meetings are held for updates, check-ins, case share, and ongoing education. Advocates must own or have access to a car and phone with a voicemail. We ask for a commitment of at least 1 year of service upon completion of training. To learn more about the roles and responsibilities of the Volunteer Advocate, view the full volunteer description: View Opportunity Join Our Board of Directors We are looking for people to serve on The CARE Center’s Board of Directors. We need a variety of skills and experiences, with diversity in race, gender, ability, religion and political affiliation. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive board and highly encourage people of color, women and non-binary individuals, bilingual candidates and all individuals with marginalized identities to consider seeking a position on the board. Commitment: Board members must attend at least 75% of Board meetings, participate on at least one standing committee, commit to raising funds to sustain The CARE Center’s free services to victims/survivors of sexual assault and support our mission. Board meetings are held approximately ten months per year. Committee meetings are held at a maximum of monthly and a minimum of quarterly, depending on the committee. Committees include Governance, Internal and External. Election and Term: Board members are elected by the current Board of Directors. The term of a director is three (3) years and until their successor is duly elected. Board members can serve additional terms. Duties of the Board of Directors: Participate in and make the ultimate decision in hiring the Executive Director. Determine major personnel, organization, fiscal, and program policies. Make final approval of budgets. Perform all necessary legal acts. Take action on committee recommendations. Determine rules and procedures for the Board of Directors. Elect officers to the Board of Directors. Participate in agency fundraising and outreach activities. For a board application or questions, contact our Board President: Contact Now JOIN OUR TEAM Volunteer with The CARE Center today! Apply Here! Contact Us

Learn about The Sexual Trauma and Abuse CARE Center About Us The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center was founded in 1972 and was the first rape crisis center in the state of Kansas. The mission of The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center is to promote a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to anyone affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. The CARE Center envisions a community free of sexual trauma & abuse while supporting healing for survivors. Our Mission We are rooted in the community. Since 1972, The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center has provided support for victims and survivors of sexual trauma and abuse. We were born out of grassroots efforts as the first rape crisis center in Kansas and one of the first centers in the U.S. The CARE Center is dedicated to serving people of all ages and genders, being an innovative leader in the field of sexual assault support and prevention, and continuing to promote a culture of consent here in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties and beyond. We envision a community free of sexual trauma & abuse. Our work is grounded in a client-centered and trauma-informed approach. We’re dedicated to ensuring both the safety and agency of our clients. We take our clients’ lead and are prepared to provide a range of services to meet an individual’s needs. Since everyone’s experience is unique, our services are flexible and individualized to best serve our clients. We are dedicated to providing free, confidential, and accessible services. The CARE Center is dedicated to providing free and confidential services to our clients. All of our services, including counseling, crisis response, advocacy, and education are 100% free of charge. No proof of insurance or documentation status is required. Services can also be accessed at any time in a survivor’s life, regardless of when a traumatic event has occurred. We’re always here. Our History In response to a number of sexual assaults that were happening on the University of Kansas campus, a group of innovative women began to coordinate a response and create a community of survivors and supporters who were committed to addressing rape and sexual assault on campus and in Lawrence, Kansas. In 1978, the organization was incorporated as the Rape Victim Support Services and was known in the community as RVSS for 30 years. In 1978 co-directors Polly Pettit & Kathy Hoggard of Douglas County Rape Victim Support Services speak to a group of senior citizens. In 2004, the agency changed the name to GaDuGi SafeCenter in order to provide a more inclusive name for survivors and to recognize the expansion of services. GaDuGi (GAH-doo-ghee) is a Cherokee word that means “working together in a community sense.” Over the years, as the agency has expanded services to all of Douglas County and farther out to Jefferson and Franklin Counties with agency offices in Oskaloosa and Ottawa respectively. 2015 was a year of growth for the agency with the expansion of youth services, therapeutic services in Jefferson and Franklin Counties, and the education program. In October 2015, the agency announced the name change to “The Sexual Trauma & Abuse CARE Center”. Now you know our history, we invite you to become part of Our Future Donate Volunteer