The Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center has “paused some services briefly for restructuring,” but the exact reasons and circumstances were unclear Thursday.
We reached out to Christina Gentry, a spokesperson for the center, after receiving a reader tip.
“There has been much news concerning our nonprofit sector(s) and federal funding recently. As of today, our organization is operating at optimal capacity and within our current budget capacity,” Gentry said in a message Thursday. “Services including hotline calls are available while some services are limited and by appointment.”
Gentry directed further questions to the center’s board of directors. Board members did not respond to an email seeking further information.
In a post on its social media pages Thursday evening, the Care Center announced that it “has paused some services briefly for restructuring, and clients are still able to call our crisis/helpline for assistance 24/7.
“We will continue to provide support for survivors of sexual abuse,” the post continued. “We will keep our community updated as we have new information.”
The center on Sunday announced Sarah Bariya as the new executive director. Bariya fills the position following the August departure of Jennifer Ananda. Ananda had been announced as the executive director in January 2023 following the September 2022 resignation of Chrissy Heikkila, who had served at the Care Center for 13 years.
The center’s 24-hour hotline is 785-843-8985. Find more information on its website, stacarecenter.org.
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Resources for survivors
If you have experienced sexual violence or trauma, please seek the help that’s right for you. There are many options available, and you don’t have to file a police report if you don’t want to.
Get 24/7 help in Lawrence: The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center
- Call 785-843-8985 to reach an advocate, 24/7. (Consider saving that number in your phone in case you or someone you know ever needs it.)
- After an assault: What are my options? Check this page for detailed information about
- talking to an advocate,
- going to the hospital,
- making a police report,
- and/or talking to a counselor or therapist.
- On campus? Check this page for specific resources for the University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University, Baker University, Ottawa University and more.
Resources on KU’s campus:
- Contact CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Services: KU students can make an appointment online at careservices.ku.edu, by email, care@ku.edu, or by calling 785-864-9255. It’s free, confidential and voluntary to talk with the CARE Coordinator. All genders welcome. Read more here.
- Find more KU campus resources at this link. Specific information about sexual assault exams can be found under the “Medical Care” tab.
Domestic violence situations: The Willow Domestic Violence Center
- Reach the Willow for help 24/7 at 785-843-3333.
- Find more resources on the Willow’s website at this link.
More resources
- The Children’s Advocacy Center of Douglas County offers support and resources for children and families affected by child abuse. See their website at cacdouglas.org, call them at 785-592-3160 or stop by their office at 1009 New Hampshire St. in Lawrence.
- StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) for 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic and sexual violence support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives that is culturally appropriate.
- National hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text “START” to 88788, and/or visit thehotline.org to chat and learn more, 24/7.
This post is by the Lawrence Times news team.
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August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
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