SEXUAL ASSAULT
The Women's Center provides comprehensive services for adult and child survivors of sexual assault or abuse.  The goal of our counseling services is to create a safe environment for sexual assault survivors to begin to heal from the trauma and emotional pain they have experienced and rebuild their self-esteem and confidence. 

The Women's Center’s services for sexual assault survivors improve the overall health, safety and well-being of our community.  Clients who receive treatment services are stabilized and are steered toward resources in the community to assist them in transitioning back into day-to-day life.

Sexual Assault Response Team
The Sexual Assault Response Team is made up of representatives from the Women’s Center, the District Attorney’s Office, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, Barton Memorial Hospital, Child Protective Services, Victim/Witness, and Court Appointed Special Advocates.  The team is mobilized for rape and other sexual assaults and is designed to provide the victim with immediate access to supportive services.  The team works collaboratively to reduce trauma by limiting the number of times the victim must relate the details of the experience.  Six agency staff members are certified through Sonoma State University and the San Diego Children’s Hospital to conduct child forensic interviews in suspected child molestation cases on behalf of law enforcement and the District Attorney’s office.

April: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we hosted a number of community outreach events.  Sierra Athletic Club donated space for the Women’s Center to conduct two Self    Defense Workshops for Women in English and in Spanish.  We hosted a family fun day at South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.  Freshies Restaurant and Chevys Fresh Mex held fundraisers to benefit the Women's Center.  We also celebrated “Demin Day,” an international awareness day that began following an Italian Supreme Court decision in 1997 to overturn a rape conviction because the victim wore tight jeans; the argument was that tight jeans are difficult to remove, therefore the victim must have consented to have sex.  The Women’s Center distributed teal awareness ribbons to local businesses and organizations in the community who wanted to show their support for victims of sexual assault. 

FY 2006-07 Sexual Assault Services Provided
Crisis Intervention:  162 sexual assaults
Advocacy:  46 clients
Accompaniment:  32 clients
Individual Counseling:  41 clients
Adults Molested as Children Support Group:  24 clients
Sexual Assault Response Team: 15 forensic interviews; 2 forensic exams
Rape Prevention Education:  165 presentations to 3,450 people
Self-Defense Workshops: 5 trainings to 30 women
Community Sexual Assault Education:  46 presentations to 1,531 people
Legal Services for Sexual Assault Victims:  3 clients
 

Find out more about rape and common signs and behaviors that may indicate child sexual abuse.

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Lesbian & Gay Violence Awareness
Sexual assault is not only a bodily violation, it is also a lifestyle violation.  Anger, fear, and confusion are natural reactions of survivors concerning violent crime.  However, there are some specific emotional issues for homosexuals:

Isolation - Lesbians and gays may already feel isolated from mainstream culture. Sexual assault can ignite fear of further isolation from friends and family.

Vulnerability - Homosexuals can be targets for hate crimes.  Rape is a hate crime to which gays and lesbians are vulnerable.

Paranoia - Lesbians and gays may feel their sexuality is extremely obvious, making them feel they are a target for sexual assault.

If you believe you have been sexually assaulted or have experienced domestic violence it is important to remember that it is not your fault.  You are not responsible for another's actions.  You are not alone!  The Women's Center observes strict confidentiality in matters involving our clients.  You do not have to "come out" to receive help.