Sexual Assault Program
Bay Area Women's Center has a very rich history in providing sexual assault services within Bay and Arenac Counties. Since our inception in 1975, it has been part of our mission to recognize and combat sexual violence and to educate our community about this issue.
Sexual violence happens in all communities. In Bay County alone, each year there were more than 200 reports of sexual assault or abuse. And, it is important to remember that only 20% of all sexual assaults are reported to law enforcement. Bay and Arenac Counties have benefited from the services offered by the Sexual Assault Program in many ways over the years, and we diligently seek new ways to communicate with survivors of sexual violence, educate the children in our community, and offer free and confidential services.
The Sexual Assault Program works with survivors of many different types of sexual violence. Program staff routinely work with survivors of child sexual abuse, incest, rape, sexual harassment and marital sexual assault. Two full-time staff serve the needs of survivors in the area - the Sexual Assault Program Director and the Sexual Assault Case Manager provide 24-hour crisis intervention, 24-hour medical and legal advocacy, crisis counseling, group support services, and information and referrals. The Sexual Assault Program additionally has partnered with the Nathan Weidner Children's Advocacy Center and has participated with the Sexual Assault Response Team with the goal of providing comprehensive services to sexual assault victims no matter what their age or barriers.