We are here. For you

“I come back here to talk because I feel safe. Last year, in 10th grade, I had a teacher who I saw in her eyes that she understands me, even though I couldn’t find the words to express what I feel. If you hadn’t spoken with me, here (Kolmila Chat), I wouldn’t have been able to tell my parents.” Each year, Hasharon Sexual Assault Crisis Center provides specialist services and resources to more than 9,000 sexual assault survivors and their loved ones through our hotline, live chat, one-on-one meetings, support groups, accompaniment to law enforcement, hospitals and court, and advocacy with the criminal justice, medical and social service systems. In Israel today, barely a week goes by without another case of teen sexual abuse and exploitation making headlines. Not surprisingly, the number of calls to RCC Sharon from teen boys and girls doubled in the last year and often, these calls take place during an assault or immediately after. Our advocates serve at the “front line” of many sexual assault calls, providing an invaluable service to callers. We are committed to being available for them 24/7 and know from experience that when it comes to youth, providing immediate crisis response is critical to reducing long-term psychological impacts of sexual trauma and facilitating recovery. The majority of sexual assault incidents take place before the age of 18. Most occur at home or in a victim’s immediate environment. The vast majority of sexual assaults are perpetrated by someone known to the victim. We need your support to expand our specialized services for youth so we can always be there for anyone who needs us. We aim to raise awareness and increase help seeking by letting youth survivors know that we are always here for them. We are also strongly devoted to changing cultural and social norms that support sexual violence in Israel. Please join the campaign!