Sexual Assault

YWCA’s Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services (SARCS) of Cumberland County is committed to helping our community heal, including BIPOC and  those identifying as gender-expansive. We provide services to anyone in need in Cumberland County of any gender, gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation.

SARCS offers:

• 24-Hour Hotline
• Individual Advocacy
• Empowerment Counseling for Adults
• Body Safety Counseling for Children
• Support Groups
• Filing for Protection Orders: Sexual Violence Protection Orders, and Protection from Intimidation Orders
• County Information and Referral
• In-person accompaniments to hospital, court & police settings.

SARCS trauma-informed advocates and volunteers are certified by the Pennsylvanica Coalition Against Rape. We provide a supportive atmosphere for victims, survivors, and their non-offending significant others of sexual violence. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC.org) reports sexual violence is common in both youth and adults. Most female victims of sexual assault experienced their first rape before the age of 25, and almost half experienced their first rape before age 18. In the same year, 43% of men reported experiencing their first victimization prior to the age of 18, and 26% reported their first victimization at age 10 or younger.

SARCS is funded by the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR), Pennsylvania Commission on Crime & Delinquency (PCCD), United Way of the Capital Region, United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County, United Way of the Shippensburg Area, The Mechanicsburg Area Foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, and the Big Spring Community Chest.

SARCS staff can be reached at during office hours at YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Volunteers counselors staff a 24 hour Hotline, 717-258-4324  or 888-727-2877 (toll-free). Clients can also receive services at the Victim Services office in Camp Hill. All Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Services are free and confidential.