Sexual Assault Victim Services
Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS), the designated Rape Crisis Center for Napa County, is dedicated to aiding and empowering local victims of sexual assault and their families.
SAVS Mission: The mission of Sexual Assault Victim Services is to provide confidential care, support, and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and their families, while also promoting awareness and prevention programs in our community. SAVS provides 24 hour access to professionals trained to help victims of sexual assault and trauma.
SAVS Values: Justice, Compassion, Cooperation, Respect, Integrity
Sexual assault is among the most devastating of violent crimes. It deprives us of our most basic human right: The sanctity and safety of our own bodies. Despite common misconceptions, rape is not an erotic act of sexual desire. It is a crime of violence with the intent to control and humiliate, and it is the feeling of humiliation and loss of control that accounts for much of the victim’s suffering.
Also a common misconception, is the assumption that rape only happens to women. To the contrary, people of all genders, all sexual orientations, all abilities, and all cultural backgrounds fall victim to this horrendous crime every day. It may surprise you to know that –
- 1 in 6 American women has been the victim of attempted or completed rape in her lifetime
- 1 in 33 American men have experienced an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime
- 21% of TGQN (transgender, genderqueer, nonconforming) college students have been sexually assaulted
- Ages 12-34 are the highest risk years for rape and sexual assault
- Native Americans are at the greatest risk of sexual violence (https://www.rainn.org/statistics/victims-sexual-violence)
- 60 % of child sexual abuse cases are perpetrated by someone the child knows outside the family, and 30% are assaulted by family members
- “Stranger danger” is a misconception: Most children who experience abuse ARE abused by someone they know (and usually trust), NOT by a stranger.
- We are not immune in Napa
- In 2022, SAVS
- Served 239 unduplicated individuals
- Attended 17 rape exams (SART) with adult victims
- Attended 20 multi-disciplinary interviews (MDI) with child victims
- In 2022, SAVS
SAVS SERVICES
Here at NEWS, we aim to reduce the impact of the trauma visited upon survivors of sexual assault and stand by their side while they seek justice in whatever form it may come, in whatever way they feel is right.
SAVS Provides:
- A confidential 24 hour hotline and response to request for Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).
- Advocates to accompany victims to the hospital, police station, District Attorney’s office and courtroom.
- Crisis Intervention
- Orientation to the Criminal Justice System
- Advise as to case status/disposition
- Help with Victim Impact Statement
- Assistance with applying for California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) – help reimbursing mental health counseling, loss of income, crime scene cleanup, relocation, medical and dental bills, and other costs related to the assault.
- For more information about CalVCB, call 800-777-9229, or visit victims.ca.gov
- Counseling through CalVCB
- Support groups – temporarily being held remotely
- Community Education Program.
- Non-judgmental and confidential services to survivors of sexual assault, regardless of their choice to report to law enforcement or not.
SAVS ADVOCATES
SEXUAL ASSAULT INFORMATION and RESOURCES
SAVS REPORTING
How Can I Help?
Become a SAVS Volunteer! – See our Volunteer Page to learn more.
Call to Volunteer: 707-252-3687
Get involved with Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) each April.