HaSharon Sexual Assault Crisis Center

“There’s no room for my pain with everything that’s going on”, “If I had been at that party, at least someone would have paid attention and believed me”, “They assaulted people inside their homes, their safest spaces. When I was a little girl, I was also assaulted in my home.” These statements offer a glimpse into what we have heard from our callers since the war began. During this difficult and painful time, survivors of sexual assault need us more than ever before. Following October 7th and the wave of testimonies of extreme sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas, we have received thousands of new requests for support. Current events are exacerbating past wounds for women who have experienced sexual abuse in the past, causing them to relive their trauma.  For many who contact our lines, the  sexual terror perpetrated by Hamas, the discourse surrounding it, have exacerbated their post-traumatic symptoms causing intense feelings of helplessness, fear, loss of control, sadness, guilt, and threatening loneliness. Despite a noteworthy increase of 25% in requests to sexual assault crisis hotlines, government funding has been cut by 30%. Without sufficient funding, the center will struggle to respond to the needs of survivors of sexual trauma. The HaSharon Sexual Assault Crisis Center supports over 14,500 people every year, through its crisis hotline and chatlines, individual meetings, support groups, legal aid, and rights advocacy services. We are committed to being available 24/7 for those who need us the most, to provide them with the  most professional and innovative services and support necessary to cope with their trauma. Now, more than ever, we need your help to ensure no survivor will be left behind. Join us!