don’t survive sexual assault alone.
call for help and information.

A sexual assault survivor, we’ll call “Mary” came to us about four months ago. Mary is currently completing her first year of recovery from alcohol and crack. She came to the YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center to work on dealing with her brutal sexual assault that took place when she was 15, and was then forced into prostitution. Mary later went on to survive a series of domestic violent relationships and is now in stable housing and working full time. While Mary has overcome so much she still faces many challenges. She makes less than $9 an hour, has no car, and is fighting to regain custody of her children. Mary, with the help of staff, is exploring ways to improve her financial situation as well as the possibilities of owning a vehicle. Mary continues to attend each session on time and ready to work. Just this past week Mary discussed her struggles with losing everything− her marriage, kids and home− and being homeless. Mary says that her journey with the Sexual Assault Center has been amazing and that she is glad that she is ready to finally face her sexual assault and the impact it has had on her life.

YWCA St. Louis Regional Sexual Assault Center assists more than 1,000 victims annually. Its sexual assault response team works collaboratively with St. Louis City and County police officers, area hospitals, the prosecuting attorney’s office and as well as with other victim service agencies. Crisis services are provided at no cost to victims. For more information, call 314.726.6665. The RAPE crisis line is 314.531.RAPE (7273)