St. Vincent's Rape Crisis Program has served the community for 30  years

In operation since 1977, this program was instituted in cooperation with the departments of psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, nursing and emergency services. It was established to ensure that skilled, sensitive medical attention is given in the emergency room and clinics to survivors of rape.  It also offers short-term counseling and support groups to rape and incest survivors, whether they were attacked recently or years ago. As we have long recognized the importance of changing the conditions that lead to rape, the program provides education, outreach and training to professional and lay audiences on issues related to sexual assault. In addition to sensitivity training programs for police and medical and social service agency personnel, staff conduct  prevention programs at local junior and senior high schools, colleges, and health fairs.

The program has recruited and trained more than 500 community residents who volunteer to provide rape crisis counseling and support to sexual assault survivors at St. Vincent's. During 2005, the program provided counseling and other services to approximately 600 survivors of rape, incest and domestic violence.