For 43 years, GaDuGi SafeCenter has been proud to serve victim-survivors of sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.
This latest announcement is an important milestone in the history of the agency and comes at an exciting time of growth. As of today, Monday, October 5th, 2015, GaDuGi SafeCenter is now The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center.
“We love the name GaDuGi SafeCenter and it has served our agency well,” said Chrissy Heikkila, Executive Director. “As we are expanding and growing, the need for a name that is accessible and inclusive made the decision clear.”
The Care Center services have not changed. Counseling, Advocacy & Response, and Education are still the core programs that serve victim-survivors of sexual trauma and abuse of all ages and genders. In 2014, the agency provided 335 adult men, women, and transgender people and children with 1,385 hours of therapy and advocacy services. Additionally, the agency reached 3,041 individuals with 106 outreach and educational events.
Expansions to the education program with the hire of a Youth Educator and the increase in services available to rural communities are just some of the projects that are on the horizon for The Care Center.
In 1972, the agency started as the Rape Victim Support Services, in response to a series of sexual assaults that occurred on campus and was the first rape crisis center in the state of Kansas. The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center promotes a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to anyone affected by sexual trauma and abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties.