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Sexual Assault Program

Welcome to our Sexual Assault Program, a department committed to serving members of San Joaquin County who are either victims of sexual violence or seeking information about sexual assault and prevention.

We offer a wide range of services to community members affected directly by sexual abuse and to those close to them, including crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, advocacy, accompaniment, and referral services. We also offer a variety of educational and training programs about personal safety and prevention.

We invite you to contact the sexual assault department to learn more about what we offer, and to challenge the Women’s Center to work toward a safe, violence free community.

The Women’s Center is committed to creating a community free from violence. Sexual assault is a growing social problem affecting a significant number of people in our country. Rape is the fastest growing violent crime in America and the least reported. The Center provides services designed to raise awareness of and respond to the impact of sexual abuse. Through a combination of peer counseling, education, program development, and partnerships with other agencies, we strive to speak out against violence. Together, our critical voice must work to change the prevailing beliefs and attitudes about sexual violence.

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any of the following:

• Any unwanted sexual act committed or attempted against a person’s will
• Sexual contact forced by dates, spouses, family members, acquaintances, or strangers. Silence does not mean yes
• Any forced oral or anal sex
• Any sexual act committed against a child in which the child is being used for sexual gratification
• A crime of violence, not a crime of sex

Common Survivor Reaction

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you have been traumatized – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The adjustment and recovery process, also known as Rape Trauma Syndrome, is experienced in several stages, and time frames for the stages of recovery and healing vary….each individual is unique.

Remember: The assault was not your fault.  The responsibility for the assault lies with the assailant.

How We Can Help

The Women’s Center of San Joaquin County provides a wide range of supportive, educational, and crisis intervention services. We serve male and female victims of all ages, as well as family, friends, partners, parents, and educators, etc.

Services include:

• Advocacy: 24 hour Helpline, Crisis Intervention, Legal & Justice System Support, and Hospital Response.
• Rape Prevention Education/Personal Safety Programs: Grades preschool through grade twelve, colleges, Community Organizations, Businesses, etc.
• Peer Counseling for Children, Teens & Adults.
• Group counseling
• Information and referral services
• Professional training, community education, and child sexual abuse prevention programs for parents and educators
• Interpreters arranged on an as needed basis
• Bilingual staff

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Rape Crisis Center?

An individual community based organization that is a member of the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (Cal*CASA) and funded through the Office of Emergency Services, Department of Health Services, County Office of Education, and/or a variety of city and county grants. The Center is staffed by certified sexual assault crisis counselors and volunteers and held to criteria and standards of operation as set forth by the Office of Emergency Services.

How much does it cost?

All services are free of charge.

Who can use the services?

Victims of any type of sexual violence, including sexual assault, child sexual abuse, incest, sexual harassment, stalking, spousal rape, etc., even if the assault happened years ago. We serve male and female victims of all ages, as well as family, friends, partners, parents. Prevention education is provided to the San Joaquin County community.

Is what I say confidential?

All sexual assault counselors and volunteers adhere to the California State law which ensures confidentiality for any communication between a counselor/volunteer and victim. The Center has a written confidentiality policy and we have line blocking on all phone lines. Our number will not appear on caller ID displays.

Who is a certified sexual assault counselor or volunteer?

All counselors and volunteers are a select group of people who work for a sexual assault Rape Crisis Center and who meet the following criteria:

• Successfully completed a screening interview
• Successfully completed a 65-hour Victim Assistance Training as mandated by the Office of Emergency Services
• Receives a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education annually
• Supervised by staff of sexual assault department

Does my experience qualify as abuse? What if I’m overreacting?

Sexual abuse happens in many ways, all of which can be damaging. Try not to question the importance of your experience – listen to your feelings. If it feels like abuse or an assault, it probably is.

What if I don’t remember all the details?

The healing process is not like a law enforcement investigation; evidence is not the focus. It is more important to concentrate on healing.

What’s the point of talking about it now?

The early experience may have left you with feelings and self-talk that are confusing and uncomfortable. The counseling process can help you to shift your viewpoint, and to dispel some of the negative messages.

What if I can’t handle all the memories and feelings that come up?

A first step in counseling is the building of a “safety-net” and developing ways to manage feelings in a healthy way. You survived the abuse – you will survive the healing and thrive.