A former legal advocate for children and survivors of domestic and sexual violence has been named the new executive director of the Sexual Trauma and Abuse Care Center.
Sarah Bariya began her career in family and immigration law before taking time to focus on raising her family, according to a Sunday news release from the Care Center.
During that time, she volunteered with Court Appointed Special Advocates of the Eastern Panhandle, based in West Virginia. That’s where she discovered her passion for advocacy, according to the release.
She joined Tri-Valley Haven, a women’s advocacy organization in California, in 2015 as legal advocate for domestic violence survivors, according to the release. She later advanced to the role of director of sexual assault services.
“Throughout her ten year tenure, she has been a steadfast champion for survivors, leading crisis intervention efforts, overseeing community education initiatives, and strengthening advocacy programs,” according to the release.
Bariya “brings a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to survivor-centered services, and a strong vision for expanding support and prevention efforts” to the Care Center position, according to the release. “Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the center’s mission to provide comprehensive care for survivors of sexual violence and to foster a safer, more informed community.”
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.
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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.
Resources on university campuses:
- KU: Contact CARE (Campus Assistance, Resource, and Education) Services: University of Kansas 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.
- Haskell: Find information about Haskell’s campus advocate coordinator and links to additional local, regional and tribal resources at this link.
- Baker: Find Baker University’s Title IX page at this link.
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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Nathan Kramer/Lawrence Times
