The Sexual Assault Crisis Center began February 1, 1978 as a “grassroots” initiative. The services for sexual assault victims in Outagamie County began seeing 36 victims during its first year of operation. At the prompting of an Emergency Room physician, having seen rape cases and believing there was more to be done to help victims that went beyond medical treatment alone, a part-time Director was hired.
With a strong Board of Directors representing a diverse cross section of the community, the Sexual Assault Crisis Center secured a 501(c)(3) non-profit status and the Director began her work. Developing a core group of victim advocates, the time of victims having to face sexual assault crisis situations alone ended. The Center worked with local law enforcement through educational opportunities at Fox Valley Technical College to ensure officers responding to sexual assault cases would be sensitive to the needs of the victim while gathering the facts needed for prosecution.
Preventing sexual violence was recognized as the key to ending sexual assault and abuse, with community outreach becoming an active part of the Center’s mission. A designated staff position of Community Educator was created in 1980 to further the outreach aspect of the Center’s mission. Therapy and support groups started being offered by the Center in 1996.
Today, the Sexual Assault Crisis Center provides services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for victims of sexual assault or abuse, their families and friends. Services are confidential and offered at no cost. The Sexual Assault Crisis Center provides services to all victims regardless of their age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or disability. Services are available throughout Outagamie and Calumet Counties and include Crisis Intervention, Medical Advocacy and Legal Advocacy. Our advocates will provide information for you to make informed choices and assist you throughout the medical/legal process.
