Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA)
Non-judgment and Outreach
Our confidential advocates will answer your call, text, or chat to provide crisis intervention, information, and resources, help with safety planning, provide emotional support, and more – 24 hours, every day.
All SARA services are free and confidential. You are not alone. We are here to help.
Our trained advocates are available to talk confidentially with anyone who is experiencing sexual assault or seeking resources or information. We provide free, confidential services to help individuals heal, create healthy relationships and boundaries, and live a life free of sexual violence.
Crisis & Support Line
The hotline provides emotional support, options, crisis intervention, and resources without judgment.
The texting hotline provides support and crisis intervention through a secure instant messaging format.
775-883-7654
Mission
SARA has served sexual assault survivors for over 30 years. Our mission is to respond, support, and empower survivors of sexual assault and exploitation and their families while working to prevent and eliminate violence through advocacy, outreach, education, and awareness.
History
In 1993, due to a lack of crisis intervention and support services for victims of sexual assault in Carson City, Advocates to End Domestic Violence (AEDV) was asked by the staff of the local hospital and law enforcement to expand services to include sexual assault survivors. After extensive training and volunteer recruitment, Sexual Assault Response Advocates (SARA) was formed, providing 24/7 crisis intervention and support services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. Staff and volunteers are dedicated to supporting survivors in the aftermath and long-term recovery of sexual trauma and exploitation.
What Should I Do If I Have Been Sexual Assaulted?
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This can be the home of a trusted friend or family member or a place your are not alone and can seek help.
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The SARA team is available 24/7 with advocacy and support.
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You do not have to make a police report to receive medical care. It is critical to seek care immediately. You may not be aware of all your injuries, and you should be tested and treated for sexually transmitted infections (STI).
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If you choose to report this crime, your body may have evidence. Don’t bathe, eat, drink, change or destroy your clothing, take medication, or disturb the crime scene.
Advocacy
Accompaniment for medical, police, court procedures, and supportive crisis intervention.
All services and contacts are confidential
The SARA team provides support during forensic medical-legal exams (rape kit) to gather evidence of sexual assault.
Advocate services include:
Information and assistance in filing for Victim's Compensation Fund claims
Assistance navigating the criminal justice system
Assistance filing a police report
Referrals for community resource
Information and assistance filing a temporary restraining order
Accompaniment and support during court proceedings
Technical support and training to community groups and organizations
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Sexual assault is any sexual activity where consent is not obtained or not freely given. It impacts every community and affects people of all genders, sexual orientations, and ages.
Every 68 seconds, a person is sexually assaulted in America
Every 9 minutes, that victim is a child
59% of perpetrators are acquaintances of the victim, 34% are family members, and only 75% are strangers
Only 25% out of every 1,000 perpetrators will end up in prison
Denim Day
The campaign began after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court where a rape conviction was overturned because the justices felt that since the victim was wearing tight jeans, she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans, thereby implying consent. The following day, the women in the Italian Parliament came to work wearing jeans in solidarity with the victim. The Denim Day campaign was developed in response to this case and the activism surrounding it. Since then, what started as a local comping to bring awareness to victims' blaming and destruction myths that surround sexual violence has grown into a movement.
Join millions of people across the world and wear jeans with a purpose and support survivors of sexual assault.
Wednesday, April 30, 2025