Mission Statement

RCS – Resource Center for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Family Violence (Formerly known as Rape Counseling Service of Fresno, Inc.) is dedicated to the healing and empowerment of survivors of sexual assault and family violence.
 

HISTORY

On March 6, 2009, RCS-Resource Center for Survivors of Sexual Assault and Family Violence, formerly Rape Counseling Service of Fresno, Inc., celebrated the 36th anniversary of its incorporation.

RCS evolved from a project started by students Karen Hale and Kris Schaufelberger, in a women’s studies class taught by Floy Paynter, in the early 1970’s at Fresno State now California State University, Fresno. The idea for a rape crisis line is linked not only to their project, but also to the 1973 rape of a Fresno State student. That student and her roommate subsequently established a telephone support group because the community had no resources designed for victims of sexual assault. The crisis line was operated from their apartment.

The early mission of RCS was simply to provide immediate support to victims and their families. The budget was nonexistent and staffing was voluntary. Occasionally, infrequent funding came from individuals. The clients, at that time were exclusively adult females.

The RCS hotline received approximately 100-150 calls the first and second years. At that time, very few victims went to the hospital and if they did, we were not called because the victims knew nothing about us. RCS began to provide public speaking, radio, and television, to create public awareness.

Money for a project, such as RCS, was exceptionally tight in the 1970’s. It was not until April 1974, that the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office had a rape investigation team (staffed solely by females). In August 1974, the California Senate passed SB1678, preventing rape victims from being questioned in court about their sexual history. SB1678 was launched as the first important change in the state’s law concerning rape in 100 years. Rape victims at that time were treated by most hospitals like victims of any other emergency-that is-take a number and wait. One hospital in Fresno refused to accept them in its emergency room. Today, Community Regional Medical Center (formerly Fresno Community Hospital) has a room dedicated to sexual assault victims. It is used for forensic exams, advocacy, and interviews.

In 1974, paid staff had increased from zero to seven and the organization had 35 volunteers. A news story then described RCS as a 24-hour operation with counselors available to help victims of rape, attempted rape, child molestation or other sex crimes.

The first RCS meetings were held in the homes of volunteers. Eventually, space was made available by the Fresno County Hospital (University Medical Center). In 1979, RCS relocated from the hospital to larger quarters on West Olive Avenue. In 1984, RCS moved to an office complex at Fresno Street and Shields Avenue. It was at this time that the crisis line was receiving more than 700 calls a year. It was also at this location that RCS celebrated its 10th anniversary and expanded services. The Security Bank Building became a home for RCS for the next several years and in 2004, RCS moved to 259 N. Blackstone Avenue.

Today, RCS has its central office at 259 N. Blackstone Avenue and Project offices in Firebaugh and Coalinga. The Fresno location is in close proximity to the County Courthouse, the District Attorney’s office and law enforcement. Also, today, there are 21 paid staff members. There are, in addition, two paid Special Response Advocates who work nights and holidays, which is made possible by a grant received from the Fansler Foundation. Equally important to our success, are trained volunteers. The current budget is approximately one million dollars annually.

RCS is a victim advocacy agency with a 24-hour crisis line serving all of Fresno County. Advocates provide crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy, and court advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and family violence. RCS also provides individual therapy to survivors and their families. Safety and Prevention Education Programs are available to agencies, schools, law enforcement, and businesses. The programs are age appropriate and available in English and Spanish.

Sexual assault is a violent and intimate violation of its victim -- physically, emotionally, and psychologically. It is an offense which radically alters the lives of its victims, both in the trauma experienced during the assault, as well as the recovery process that follows.