History

The program was established in 1992. It was created in response to trends identified in the Domestic Violence and Women in Transition programs: many women had a history of childhood sexual abuse and marital rape. The Sexual Assault Program was modeled after the Domestic Violence Program offering comprehensive services.

Target population

Adult survivors of sexual assault age 18 or older, adult survivors of incest (mostly Spanish speaking Latinas) and their significant others.

Services

Crisis assessment and intervention, education about victims’ rights, individual and group counseling, community education, professional training, criminal court advocacy, and referrals. 24-hour intervention is available through the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (888) 293-2080.

Staff composition

Three full-time and one part-time staff: Program Coordinator, community educator, counselor and criminal court advocate.

Advocacy efforts

Chicago Area Network Against Sexual Violence, Prostitution Alternative Roundtable (Chicago Coalition for the Homeless), Illinois State's Attorney's Sex Crime Division and Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault's Women of Color committees.

Trends

Many significant others that have received services have come to the realization that they are also survivors of childhood sexual abuse. The demand for Spanish speaking counselors/advocates is coming from the entire Chicago Metropolitan area. Also, many schools are requesting sexual harassment workshops for junior high school students due to an increase of complaints from female students.

Domestic Violence / Women in Transition / Peace Program / Parent Support /

Teen Reach / Latina Leadership / Child Care / SASS / Sanctuary / Mother & Daughter