Since becoming the Rape Recovery Center, many structural changes have taken place in service of creating greater access to comprehensive recovery for all survivors of sexual trauma. Today, the Rape Recovery Center continues to provide a vital role during the Code R process in Salt Lake County through our Hospital Response Team, assisting nearly 500 survivors annually. The 24 hour crisis line also continues to be a resource to approximately 1,500 callers per year. Our in office services include personal advocacy, short and long term counseling, and an array of therapy and support groups, serving over 1,000 clients on an annual basis. Our outreach and education programs reach roughly 2,500-5,000 community members each year by enriching partnerships and offering primary prevention training.
Services Offered
24-Hour Crisis Line - Certified crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide confidential crisis intervention, referral advocacy assistance and overall emotional support to anyone impacted by sexual violence. This service is available in 150 languages via a 3-way tele-interpreting service.
Hospital Response Team - The Rape Recovery Center's Hospital Response Team was developed to provide victims of sexual violence advocacy support at all times, at any hospital in Salt Lake County or the Family Justice Center following a sexual assault.
Within five days of an assault a victim of sexual assault has the option to have a "code-r" examination performed. Alternatively, any victim of sexual assault has the right to decline the collection of forensic evidence but still seek medical attention following a sexual assault. In either case, a specialized forensic nurse, known as a Wasatch Forensic Nurse (WFN) will be dispatched to perform the exam and offer medication that prevents both pregnancy and certain sexually transmitted infections.
Therapy Services - The professional licensed therapists at the Rape Recovery Center are specially trained to work with survivors on their journey of healing from the impact of sexual violence. They offer individual therapy sessions as well as a variety of groups for survivors.
Therapists work with each individual client to determine the best plan for each individual. This may include group therapy, individual therapy, or a combination of both. Occasionally, for various reasons clients are referred to outside providers.
Therapy at the Rape Recovery Center specializes in trauma focused recovery process' that emphasize empowerment, self-compassion, self-awareness, and mindfulness. Our work with clients reflects a belief that much of the pain experienced in the aftermath of sexual trauma is caused by the rape myths and cultural norms that blame the victim, and reduce feelings of resiliency and empowerment. Recovery from the effects of sexual trauma is a journey, and therapy is individualized to each client based on the client's strengths, interests and personal goals.
Group Services - At the Rape Recovery Center, we understand the importance of communal healing. Humans heal through sharing their lived experiences in a safe space that creates understanding, support, and self exploration. We offer groups which focus on different aspects and stages of healing. * Women's Process Group - This group is for self-identified women who are primary survivors of sexual abuse. As a participant, we focus on sharing lived experiences, learning how we show up in relationships, and opportunities to explore interpersonal feedback and connect with others in a healthy and authentic manner. This group emphasizes work on the here-and-now, support, encouragement, self-exploration, compassion and understanding.
* Women of Color Support Group - This group supports primary and secondary survivors. Through this support group, we aim to build connections between women of color** impacted by sexual violence, and to provide support to each other as we navigate (re)traumatization from invalidating and oppressive environments.
* Connections Group - Connections group is a support group for primary and secondary survivors of sexual assault. During this group, members will be able to connect with survivors and secondary survivors in the healing journey. Members will learn about trauma recovery with a mindfulness approach and learn ways to practice effective and empathic self care.
* Men's Process Group - This inclusive group is for self-identified men who are primary survivors of sexual abuse which focuses on sharing lived experiences as well as receiving support from others. The group is a traditional process group where the focus is on the here and now with what is occurring in the room with others. As a group, focus is on relationships, developing a deeper understanding of the self, and the self in relationships. In this group, focus surrounds the complexities of being a male survivor and members will receive specialized support in learning how to navigate these challenges. Group explores the intersecting identities and other forms of systemic oppression that have uniquely impacted members.
Fees and Payment
The Rape Recovery Center offers a $0-$75 suggested sliding fee scale, depending on household income of the client.
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.
