RCASA seeks to raise public awareness of the issues surrounding sexual assault through special media events, information displays and education programs for the entire community

RCASA provides the following services free of charge to the residents of the City of Fredericksburg, and the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George and Caroline.  (All of these are collectively known as Planning District 16).

RCASA staff members and trained volunteer Victim Advocates are available 24 hours a day to provide:

24- Hour Hotline and Outreach
RCASA staff and trained volunteer Victim Advocates are available to provide crisis intervention and support to victims of sexual assault, as well as their relatives or friends.  Professionals working with client issues are also welcome to utilize our services and work with our staff and volunteers to provide clients optimal services.  Information on sexual assault issues, as well as referrals to area professional services (mental health, medical care, emergency relief and shelter, transportation, financial and legal assistance) are provided.  Limited financial assistance is available to victims of sexual assault to cover transportation, long distance phone or child care costs associated with recovery process.  Victim Advocates are available to accompany victims through emergency medical procedures and follow-up health related testing, providing information and support.

Legal Outreach
The investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases can seem overwhelming to the victim and their families.  Through Legal Outreach, victims can be accompanied by trained Court Advocates or staff members to assist in the complex investigative and legal processes, providing information and companionship throughout the entire case.

Ongoing Advocacy
The assault and its aftermath can be disruptive to the victim’s lifestyle in many ways.  A crisis period may extend for several months, or may reoccur years later.  In addition to seeing a therapist during these times, victims often find it helpful to talk over their concerns with an assigned Victim Advocate.

Support Groups
Educational support groups are available to adult and adolescent victims of sexual assault and their significant others.  The groups provide a trusting and understanding environment in which members have the opportunity to examine and process the assault’s effects on themselves and others.  RCASA offers structured, closed membership groups, which typically meet for 12 weeks, one timer per week.

Educational Programs
RCASA provides educational programs and sexual assault risk- reduction information to schools, community groups, service organizations and allied professionals.   These presentations encourage the development of positive self-esteem, healthy coping patterns and teach safety skills.  Presentations are tailored to address the needs of the requesting organization and include a synopsis of services.

Banner Project
We invite victims of childhood sexual assault to add their own cloth panel to the RCASA Banner.  Creating a panel gives the survivors an anonymous way to share their journey of healing from sexual abuse.   The Banner Project was conceptualized in 1993 and has about 40 panels.

Public Awareness and Volunteer Recruitment/Training Activities
RCASA coordinates a number of events throughout the year to raise community awareness of sexual assault issues, including Sexual Assault Awareness Month (October), “Turn Off the Violence” Speak out (co-sponsored with Rappahannock Council on Domestic Violence), community and volunteer open houses, volunteer trainings and information displays.