Sexual Assault Response

24 hour confidential sexual assault hotline: 1-888-947-7273

YWCA Central Virginia’s Sexual Assault Response Program 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.

We also work to raise public awareness of sexual assault and personal safety. Our program provides round-the-clock services to residents of Lynchburg, Campbell County, Bedford County, Altavista, Amherst, and Appomattox.

Our services

  • Crisis Intervention and Support

    Our 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.

  • Information and Referrals

    We provide information about reporting and medical options, community resources, victims’ compensation, victims’ rights, counseling and support groups.

  • Financial Assistance and Referrals

    We provide emergency financial assistance to victims who are in need. We also provide 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.

  • Ongoing Advocacy

    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. 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.

  • Community Awareness

    We provide free educational presentations to civic groups, college students,and allied professionals on the prevalence and effects of sexual violence.

  • Support Groups

    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 here.

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

  • anxiety

  • 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 unexpected mood swings

  • withdrawal from family and friends

  • unpredictable agitation

  • suicidal thoughts

  • 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 1-888-947-7273.