NBC29Sexual Assault Resource Agency Celebrates Thirty Years

Sexual Assault Resource Agency Celebrates Thirty Years

For 30 years, the Sexual Assault Resource Agency has provided victims with safety, support and hope, the tools they need to survive. 

Volunteers and employees recently celebrated how far SARA has come and prepared for the challenges they still face. 

Former executive director of Sara Annette Grimm says, “It began with a group of women who were concerned with sexual assault issues and realized there was no place for resources for victims.” 

Grimm helped build SARA into what it is today, an organization helping people survive sexual violence with a 24 hour hotline, free counseling and a child assault prevention program . 

A huge hurdle for was also changing perceptions. 

Grimm says, “What changed was the knowledge that rape isn't sex gone bad, it’s about power and the need to control.” 

Laurie Jean Seaman started as a volunteer at SARA when she was a student at the University of Virginia. Now, inspired by her experiences there, she's a full time employee. 

She says SARA has come along way in helping victims heal, but there is still a long road ahead. 

Seaman says, “More people understand what sexual assault is, and more understand they are not to blame. One thing we are struggling with is our society still shames survivors I think accidentally. That's still a big hurdle in healing process.” 

SARA also offers support to assault victims by going with them to the hospital, and even to court hearings.

Reported by Stacia Harris
See Bio / Email