Rape crisis center

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Rape crisis centers evolved in order to help victims of rape, sexual abuse, and other forms of sexual violence. Also referred to as Sexual Assault Centers, RCCs serve a number of purposes. Depending on the setup of a RCC, the organization will be equipped to see children, adults, or both. Most RCCs run a 24 hour, 7 day a week crisis hotline that individuals can call anonymously and free of charge. The primary goal is victim advocacy. Advocates provide emotional support and information to victims and their families during the hours, days, and weeks following an attack. RCCs also coordinate response from local agencies such as the Police or Sheriff's Department, the District Attorney's office, Child Protective Services, any local schools or hospitals involved in the incident.

[edit] Outreach

Outreach programs advertise a Center's existence in the surrounding community. Fundraising and awareness campaigns aid communities in coming together to end sexual violence. In recent years RCCs have begun working on outreach projects with faith based communities, GLBTQ communities, and other groups of individuals who share a cultural identity.

[edit] Law Enforcement

In areas where rape crisis centers exist there is most likely a partnership between the center and local law enforcement agency. Rape Crisis Centers have been known to provide in service training about the act of forcible rape and associated trauma to new officers. The two agencies might collaborate on the evidence collection process alongside a sexual assault nurse examiner. Forensic interviews are also a Law Enforcement agents have not historically been the most supportive of rape victims. Historically, there have reports of police officers inappropriately questioning rape victims, dismissing reports of sexual assault, and pressuring victims to report when they don't want to. This failure by law enforcement agents can be attributed to the wider cultural phenomenon of victim blaming myths.