Children At Risk Evaluation (CARE) Center
The Children At Risk Evaluation (CARE) Center is a medical appointment at Children’s Hospital with trained professionals who are neutral fact-finders. This is a safe place for children, ages 2-17 to meet with professionals after disclosing sexual abuse. The staff usually consist of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) of doctors, nurses, licensed social worker, law enforcement, Children Services, and a Rape Crisis Center advocate. During the CARE Center appointment, the child will be interviewed by a licensed social worker. At the time of the interview, the parents and/or legal guardians are not able to watch the interview but are able to speak to the victim advocate to receive emotional support and/or resources, information, and referrals if they choose to. CARE Center is beneficial because with the MDT, it minimizes re-traumatizing the child and prevents them from having to tell their story over and over again.
Summit County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART)
The SART is a group of allied experts committed to enhancing the health and healing of survivors impacted by the crime and trauma of sexual violence while heightening community awareness and facilitating offender accountability. The SART is made up of; Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE), Summit County Law Enforcement, County Prosecutors, Rape Crisis Center Advocates, and other community organizations. The meetings are open to community members who are interested in attending and the team is available to any survivor of sexual assault or abuse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are interested in joining the SART or would like more information on the SART, please contact the Summit Services Manager.
Akron Sexual Assault Initiative (ASAKI)
The ASAKI unit is a grant funded, community collaboration between the Rape Crisis Center, Akron Police Department, Summit County Prosecutors Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and Victims Assistance Program. This unit investigates cold case sexual assaults and provide advocacy services to sexual assault survivors. This unit was created after many law enforcement agencies across the U.S. failed to submit sexual assault kits for DNA testing. Mainly because, many officers doubted that survivors were telling the truth about their sexual assaults. RCC advocates will provide emotional support to survivors and/or their family members if they are interested in speaking with an advocate. Therapy and support group services are also available to survivors and their loved-ones. If you have a question about your case, you can contact the ASAKI unit directly at: 330-375-2228.
Speaker’s Bureau
Sharing your story can be empowering and inspiring for some survivors but for others, it can also feel scary and draining. Speaker’s Bureau is a free and confidential training that will help you prepare for sharing your story in the community, legislatures, or media. Speakers Bureau is available for individuals 18 and older. For the safety and well-being of all members, there is an initial meeting with the trainers to ensure speakers bureau is an appropriate fit for you. If you have experienced sexual violence and would like to share your story to create change and bring awareness to this issue, please contact the Summit Services Manager.
Restorative Yoga
For many survivors of sexual violence, trauma can become stored in the body. Restorative yoga is designed to utilize poses to help relax muscles in the body in order to assist in the healing process for survivors. The classes are an hour long and are facilitated by a certified Rape Crisis Center volunteer. If you would like more information on restorative yoga, please contact the Summit Services Manager.
Are you experiencing crisis?
If you are experiencing crisis please call the Rape Crisis Center Hotline or Battered Women’s Shelter Hotline. We have advocates available 24 hours a day.
If you would like to know more about Crisis Intervention and how we might support you please visit the BWS or RCC service pages.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
OFFICE HOURS
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 – 5:00 |
Services
All of our services are free and confidential and/or anonymous.
Interpreters and translation can be provided free of charge for all of our services.
