2014 Crisis Center Survey*

Sexual assault is widespread and devastating. Over forty percent of rape crisis centers were According to the National Intimate Partner and forced to reduce staffing because of funding Survey/NISVS (CDC, 2011), nearly levels. Of those with staffing reductions, an 1 in 5 women have been the victim of an average of 3 positions were terminated or left attempted or completed rape and over 1.3 million vacant. women are raped in the U.S. in one year. Over 80% of women who were victimized experienced Advocates at rape crisis centers provide the significant impacts such as PTSD, injury (42%) and nation’s frontline response to . missed time at work or school (28%). Rape Crisis Centers provide:  24 hour emergency room response; Recent national media attention on campus and  24 hour hotlines; military rape and public accusations of rape  crisis intervention; against several celebrities have spotlighted the  counseling & support groups; issue of sexual assault. Now, more than ever, our  accompaniment to criminal justice nation needs a strong network of rape crisis agencies; centers to lead communities in prevention work  awareness and prevention programs; and and to support survivors.  a lifeline for survivors.

Rape Crisis Center services are based in research Sadly, due to staffing reductions and lack of that works. A 2006 study found that when funding, almost 50% of centers had to decrease victims receive advocate-assisted services they services in at least one critical area. fare better in both short- and long-term recovery.

Percentage of 2014 Survey Results centers that decreased service In the past year, rape crisis centers experienced due to lack of an overall loss in funding through a combination funding. of local, state and federal cuts. Public Awareness/Prevention Decreased Education 27% Rape Crisis Center Outreach 25% Funding Education/Institutional Federal 55% Advocacy 19% State 51% Support Groups 16% Local 58% Counseling Services 13%

Over 1/3 of rape crisis centers (39%) have a Rape crisis centers and survivors are telling their waiting list for services with victims waiting most stories: often for counseling services (21%) and communities waiting for prevention education “Our program is at a point where demand (18%). Waiting lists for counseling were reported seriously exceeds capacity. Without increased as high as 60 survivors with wait times as long as funding, we will continue to leave the 5 weeks before a first appointment. communities in which we work wanting for more. We are committed to helping survivors Despite financial challenges, rape crisis centers heal, especially survivors who face additional provide outstanding services: barriers to service, or who would otherwise be  Individual counseling to teen survivors on unable to access our healing services… We are school campuses; without the necessary resources to do the work  In rural areas, transporting survivors that we know is so important.” – Rape Crisis hundreds of miles for medical forensic Center exams;  Therapeutic counseling over the phone “If the rape crisis center had not been able to for disabled survivors; offer me counseling, I know for certain I  Support groups for survivors in jails, wouldn’t be standing here today. It is the prisons and detention facilities; simple truth. So, today, as a survivor…I am  Instilling hope within survivors; and rebuilding my life, going back to school, trying Inspiring communities to live without to raise healthy, happy contributing boys.” - A violence. survivor, veteran and single mother. At times of decreased funding and services, some of the most vulnerable populations do not Congress must act to prevent further rape receive the assistance they need. Rape Crisis crisis cut backs, assist victims who are left to Centers identified the following populations as the fend for themselves, and ensure prevention is most in need of additional services in their occurring in all of our communities. regions:  Trafficking Survivors; * These results are based on a 2014 internet  Adolescent/Teen Survivors; survey conducted by NAESV and completed by 326 rape crisis centers across the United States.  Elderly Survivors/Nursing Home Residents;  Survivors with Disabilities; and FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Homeless Survivors. Contact Terri Poore at (850) 228-3428 or

[email protected] Many rape crisis centers noted that while the Elimination Act (PREA) and attention to campus and military sexual violence are positive, they have increased demand for services, but provided no new funding.