Sexual Assault Response Program
The YWCA of Central Virginia’s Sexual Assault Response Program (SARP) is dedicated to providing free crisis intervention, support, advocacy, and information to survivors of sexual assault and abuse as well as to family members and friends. SARP also works to raise public awareness of sexual assault and personal safety. The program provides 24 hours a day, seven days a week services to residents of the City of Lynchburg, Town of Bedford and Altavista, as well as the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell.
You can reach our SARP Program at it’s Lynchburg Office:
- Address: 1900 Tate Springs Road, Suite 8 | Lynchburg, VA 24501
- Main Office Phone: 434-847-7751, select option 3
- 24 Hour Confidential Hotline: 888-947- 7273
Sexual Assault Response Program Services
SARP companions are on-call 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention and support to anyone who has experienced any type of sexual violence including rape, attempted rape, molestation, child sexual abuse, and sexual harassment.
SARP provides information in regard to reporting and medical options, community resources, victims’ compensation, victims’ rights, counseling, and support groups.
SARP provides emergency financial assistance to victims who are in need. SARP also provides information about the Virginia Victims Fund, which pays for the collection of the Physical Evidence Recovery Kit. A SARP Advocate can also assist a victim in applying for other potential reimbursements from the Virginia Victims Fund. SARP also offers a Financial Freedom class, which is aimed at helping victims become more financially independent of abusers.
While SARP companions provide services immediately after an assault, an advocate can provide services beyond the event, recognizing that an assault and its aftermath can be disruptive to the victim’s lifestyle in many ways. SARP Advocates provide emotional support, assistance with filing for Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund reimbursements, accompaniment to criminal justice proceedings (interviews, court hearings, trials, and sentencing), and other personal advocacy services.
SARP facilitates several support groups to include AMAC, a group for Adults Molested as Children. Other support group offerings are available for parents of the abused child, teens who have experienced sexual abuse, and adults.
Sign up to learn more about a support group or apply below:
YWCA Support Group Requests
SARP provides free educational presentations to civic groups, college students, and allied professionals on the prevalence and effects of sexual violence.
Every 73 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted.
And every 8 minutes, that victim is a child. Meanwhile, only 6 out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison. – RAINN
Reactions to Trauma
People react to stress and trauma differently. Victims can experience a variety of emotional and physical responses to sexual assault, some of which may include:
- inability to express emotions
- nightmares and/or sleeplessness
- fear
- shame/guilt
- denial
- drug/alcohol abuse
- anger
- lack of concentration
- appetite loss or overeating
- feelings of grief and despair
- problems with relationships
- sexual dysfunction
- unexplained and un expected mood swings
- withdrawal from family and friends
- unpredictable agitation,
- suicidal thoughts
- anxiety
- difficulty concentrating or making decisions
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of the above reactions to sexual violence, please contact our confidential 24-hour hotline at 888-947- 7273
