Crisis Hotline
How does it work?
The sexual assault crisis hotline is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to anyone impacted by sexual assault. Crisis counselors can simply listen or provide confidential counseling. They can provide callers with information about how to connect to resources including criminal justice support, counseling and support groups.
Hotline # (559) 732-7273 or (559) 784-7273
In-person Crisis Response
How does it work?
Family Services’ Victim Advocates are part of the Tulare County Sexual Assault Response Team. That means they are automatically called to the hospital to support victims of rape or molestation during forensic evidence examinations. Victim Advocates also provide crisis counseling, information and referrals at our Rape Crisis Center on a walk-in or appointment basis. Victims or their significant others may request to meet Advocates at community locations such as schools, health facilities, businesses or community agencies to receive crisis counseling, information or referral.
Who is eligible?
Any victim of sexual assault, including molest, incest, rape, or sexual harassment or coercion and their significant others. It does not matter how long ago the assault or abuse happened or whether it was ever reported to anyone.
How to access this service.
Call the crisis hotline number for in-person crisis response.
What information needs to be provided?
Some basic information about the victim and their situation is all that needs to be given.
What will it cost?
Crisis response, information and referral services to sexual assault victims and their loved ones are free.
Sexual Assault Survivor Support Groups
How does it work?
Small groups are held at Family Services' offices or confidential community locations. The groups follow an informational curriculum with ample time allowed for discussion of individual and general issues or needs. There is no requirement or pressure to share one’s story upon joining the group.
Who is eligible?
Any victim of sexual assault, including molest, incest, rape, or sexual harassment or coercion. It does not matter how long ago the assault or abuse happened or whether it was ever reported to anyone.
How to access this service.
Family Services currently offers sexual assault survivor support groups in Porterville on Tuesday evenings and in Visalia on Monday evenings. These are open entry groups, meaning participants may start at any time and are not required to attend any specific number of sessions. For more information on the locations and times of these groups, call the Rape Crisis Center at (559) 732-7371.
What will it cost?
There is no fee for the survivor support groups.
Individual Counseling
Who is eligible?
Any victim of sexual assault, including molest, incest, rape, or sexual harassment or coercion. It does not matter how long ago the assault or abuse happened or whether it was ever reported to anyone.
How to access this service.
Individuals seeking professional counseling services related to issues of sexual assault may contact the Rape Crisis Center at (559) 732-7371 or the hotline at (559) 732-7273.
Advocates will help survivors to apply for or schedule professional counseling services.
What will it cost?
All victims of sexual assault seeking individual counseling are eligible to receive the first 6 sessions of counseling free of charge. After those sessions are exhausted, they may qualify for free or low cost services through either Victim Witness funding or other related resources.
Criminal Justice and Court Support
How does it work?
Family Services’ Advocates will check on the status of criminal cases filed against the offender on behalf of victims and explain to the victim what has happened or can be expected to happen. Advocates are available to accompany victims to law enforcement or prosecution interviews or to Court proceedings.
How to access this service.
Call the Rape Crisis Center office.
What will it cost?
There is no fee for this service.
Follow-up support services
How does it work?
Advocates will call clients after the initial crisis encounter to see what on-going needs they have. Clients may also continue to call or come to the Rape Crisis Center office to request education, advocacy, counseling or information and referral assistance on an ongoing and unlimited basis. These are free services.
Self-Defense Programs
How does it Work?
Certified Instructors provide programs to schools and general community groups. These structured programs teach awareness and techniques to minimize vulnerability to assault. Part of the program includes physical techniques. Fees may be required.
How to access this service.
Call the Rape Crisis Center office for more information about the curriculum or to schedule a training program.
What will it cost?
Whether there will be a fee and the amount of the fee will be discussed in the initial phone contact.
Rape Prevention Education
How does it work?
Prevention Educators can make either one time presentations or can provide a series of presentations to community groups or to classes at middle or high schools or colleges on personal safety and reducing vulnerability to assault.
Prevention Educators also make presentations to parent groups on keeping children safe and reducing their vulnerability to child sexual abuse or exploitation.
Who is eligible for this service?
Any school or community or civic group, business or agency in Tulare County may receive rape prevention education programs.
How to access this service.
Contact our Prevention Educator at (559)732-7371 to schedule a program.
What will it cost?
All prevention programs or seminars are free of charge.
Community Education
Who is eligible for this service?
Service clubs, schools, church groups, healthcare agencies, businesses and other organizations interested in learning more about sexual assault issues and community resources.
How to access this service.
Contact our Rape Crisis Center Office at (559) 732-7371 to schedule a presentation.
What will it cost?
Community education services are free. |
