Give a Gift of Hope

 

Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is Here.

Join us this April to help raise awareness about sexual assault and harassment, how to prevent it, and to support for those who have already endured sexual violence. We have a saying that healing starts here. Healing also starts with you. Keep reading to find out how you can be apart of SAAM...

Our Goal: raise $30,271.55*

*This is the cost of services for a survivor to contact our crisis line, have a rape kit completed, receive advocacy care, attend therapy sessions, and any emergency financial support.

We work with survivors regardless of their ability to pay. Our agency does not believe that a person's financial limitations should prevent them from the life-changing services they need. Our supporters and partners across the community make this arrangement possible. Every donation allows a survivor and maybe even their loved one(s) to get gudiance and compassionate care from an Advocate... or work with a therapist in play therapy... or connect with other survivors through group therapy.

A donation gifts someone hope in a situation where there could feel like there is none. For our SAAM campaign, every dollar raised will be matched up to $10,000. Don't miss the opportunity to double the impact you make and the lives you can change.

 

Together, we will end sexual violence.

Your gift to the Sexual Assault Center is a gift of hope and a gift of healing. Your help provides critical funding for therapy, advocacy, prevention and support throughout the community. Regardless of the size of the gift, you will help ensure that every person who comes to SAC receives the best possible care. 

How your gift makes a difference...

$15 - helps provide technology to one therapist for video Telehealth therapy for one month

$50 - provides play therapy supplies that help child sexual abuse survivors share their storiesin an age and developmentally appropriate way.

$150 - covers the cost of an initial assessment and orientation to a new client. Survivors receive non-judgemental support, crisis intervention, and a trauma-informed welcome to SAC.

$250 - provides training and ongoing technical assistance to one bar/restaurant through our Safe Bar program, which raises awareness around alcohol's role in sexual assault and engages bar owners and staff in bystander intervention

$500 - covers the cost for tests, photos, and exam supplies

$1,837.20 - provides a forensic rape exam for a survivor after they've been sexually assaulted

 

2nd Edition SEEN Book Available Now!

Order your copy of the second edition SEEN Survivors book today for $39.99.

Read the personal, harrowing stories and healing journey of each survivor, including Country Star Lindsay Ell and Actor, Johnathon Schaech and a beautiful forward by Actor and Advocate, Ashley Judd. SEEN Survivors is a compelling collection of stories of 18 victim/survivors of sexual abuse. Created by photographer Dan Heller in partnership with the Sexual Assault Center, this project focused on illuminating the journey of healing and empowerment.

100% of the proceeds from this second edition print support victim/survivors and the Sexual Assault Center's program and healing services.

For more information about the stories and survivors, visit seensurvivors.org.

 

Legislative & Advocacy Efforts

Sexual Assault Center (SAC) has always provided trauma informed, victim-centered services and support; the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v Wade will not change SAC’s approach to the care we provide. Sexual Assault Center is disheartened by the impact the decision to eliminate access to abortion will have on victim/survivors, especially in Tennessee where there are currently no exceptions for rape and incest. Paramount to our mission and healing for survivors is to protect the rights, decisions, and control over their health and healing.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), close to 3 million women in the United States will experience a rape-related pregnancy in their lifetime. About 20% of victim/survivors who were rape by an intimate partner reported their partner was trying to get them pregnant when they did not want to be. Part of victim-centered care is to support the victim/survivor where they are and as they make decisions that are best for them at that time. SAC supports victim/survivors’ decisions along their healing journey, including the right to a safe abortion and believes there should not be stipulations attached to a victim/survivor's choices, regardless if they report to law enforcement or choose to seek therapy, etc. These stipulations also eliminate their autonomy, the very thing that sexual violence takes away from them. Victim/Survivors should not be forced to birth their rapist's child after a violent, forceful, unwanted act

WHAT WE WILL DO:

• Create, advocate and lobby for strong legislation that gives victims of rape and incest the right to control their health and healing and have access to safe abortions.
• Continue to offer unbiased, ethical, trauma informed, victims/survivor centered therapy and advocacy, which includes providing assistance, support, and referrals when a client is seeking pregnancy OR abortion help.
• Educate the public on the correlation of these issues—banning abortions further traumatizes a sexually assaulted woman, many people do not report to law enforcement right away and may not prior to seeking abortion help and that should not be a prerequisite to receiving appropriate medical care, etc.
• Provide information and referrals to our clients, staff, and volunteers regarding victim advocacy organizations, legislation, and advocacy opportunities
• Continue to provide a full continuum of care to individuals receiving services at the SAFE Clinic immediately following a sexual assault, including following best practices of medical care and support.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Host a conversation with your like-minded and non-likeminded friends to discuss this issue and how it effects victim/survivors of sexual assault. This is not a political conversation but a victim’s rights and advocacy conversation. The more people who understand the reality for victims, the more who can speak up on their behalf.
• Share this page on your social media platforms.
• Give to an organization that supports and advocates for victims' options after an assault, such as Sexual Assault Center. These funds allow us to not only continue the work we are already doing but advocate for change and prepare for the future. You can also directly support our legislative efforts by donating here. 
• Be on the lookout for prepared statements and ways to reach out to your Local State and Federal Representatives, from SAC.
• Be on the lookout for an SAC hosted Lunch & Learn type events. We will send details as soon as it’s scheduled. These will be fantastic opportunities to learn more and invite friends who want to do the same.
• Sign up to be a Political Advocacy Volunteer to stay up to date on this issue and any others affecting the work we do.

 

 

You can create a lasting legacy at the Sexual Assault Center by including SAC in your estate plans.  Regardless of income level or the size of your estate, your planned gift can make a significant difference to the Sexual Assault Center. A bequest to SAC can help you, and your family, reduce or avoid estate taxes and at the same time help you realize your own philanthropic objectives. If you have any questions, please contact Lorraine McGuire at 615-259-9055 ext. 332 or lmcguire@sacenter.org

Regardless of the type of bequest you intend to leave, it is important to consult a qualified lawyer, tax consultant or estate planner to assure that your wishes are carried out.

Types of Planned Gifts