Rappahannock Council Against Sexual Assault

The criminal justice system can leave survivors feeling unheard, scared, and challenged. Legal Advocates at RCASA work closely with area Victim Witness programs and Commonwealth's Attorney offices to help prepare clients for court proceedings. RCASA staff and volunteers accompany survivors through a variety of criminal justice processes, including protective order petitions, interviews, law enforcement procedures and trials. By explaining courtroom language, procedures, and etiquette in ways that the survivor can easily understand, and by keeping survivors informed about key dates and stages of the case, Legal Advocates assist the survivor and their support system through every step of the judicial process.

Advocates and crisis responders are available 24 hours a day to provide in-person advocacy services for individuals considering undergoing a forensic exam. Advocates answer questions, discuss available community resources, and support survivors as they make empowered medical and legal decisions for themselves. Our advocates are available to stay throughout the entire forensic exam process, or as otherwise needed – a decision made by the survivor themselves.

Sexual violence impacts every individual differently based on the vast array of identities and circumstances unique to them. It is common for sexual violence to interfere with a survivor’s physical and emotional health as well as their ability to participate fully in their lives - from social interactions and relationships to work or school. The economic impact can also be far-reaching, from possible medical or hospital bills to lost wages. The Case Management program at RCASA provides assessment and intervention on behalf of the survivor’s immediate needs. Case Managers are a liaison between community resources.

Nuestra misión es brindar apoyo, tratamiento y Asesoría a las personas cuyas vidas han sido afectadas por la violencia sexual y reducir la violencia sexual en nuestra comunidad a través de la educación y la concienciación. Estamos dedicados a ayudar a las personas a recuperarse después de la violencia y el abuso sexual. Proporcionamos un ambiente seguro y curativo para que los sobrevivientes puedan expresar sentimientos, ser entendidos y tener acceso a una variedad de servicios de apoyo y terapéuticos. Brindamos servicios a las víctimas de agresión sexual y a sus familias, amigos y parejas. Nos enfocamos en un tratamiento de trauma informado y completo al apoyar a toda la familia.

The Prison Rape Elimination Act was established in 2003 to protect individuals from prison sexual assault. A commission was created that developed nationwide standards for the detection, prevention, reduction, and punishment of sexual assault in prisons. RCASA offers inmates of Rappahannock Regional Jail and Northern Neck Regional Jail a 24-hour Crisis Hotline to report sexual violence, receive legal advocacy and hospital accompaniment services, and supportive services for their transition period. RCASA also offers training to correctional staff on the dynamics and prevention of sexual violence within incarcerated communities.

Visit our Resources page for more information about what RCASA can offer in a multitude of other ways.