Rape Crisis, Emotional Trauma Center Opening In Ruskin To Help South Hillsborough Victims

RUSKIN, FL — A second rape crisis location operated by the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay will serve South Hillsborough County after it opens its doors in 2022, a news release said Wednesday.

The new facility will help victims of sexual assault in locations such as Ruskin, Brandon, Wimauma and Riverview to have closer access to a rape kit. Rape kits collect DNA evidence from victims to assist in the prosecution of sexual assault cases.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is the certified rape crisis center for Hillsborough County. It has created a very private and empowering process for survivors to receive a rape kit, work with a victim advocate, and connect to community resources, according to its staff.

"We are extremely thankful for the support we have received from the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and especially for the advocacy of Commissioner Harry Cohen and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office," Clara Reynolds, president & CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, said. "South County has seen a dramatic population boom, and it has a population that is underserved when it comes to crisis intervention services. We look forward to creating an effortless experience for people to connect to support."

The new Crisis Center of Tampa Bay facility is planned to open in August 2022 and will be located within the Hillsborough County South Shore Community Resource Center at 201 14th Avenue S.E., Ruskin. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners recently voted to adopt a resolution authorizing the approval of a license agreement regarding the utilization of the space.

Services will still be offered at the Tampa location on Bearss Avenue that serves as the main facility.

Anyone can connect to these services by calling 2-1-1. Calls are confidential and are answered 24 hours-a-day, 365 days-a-year.

About The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay: How To Get Help

• Suicide prevention, crisis counseling and information and referral services can be reached by contacting the Gateway Contact Center at 2-1-1. You will receive free confidential crisis counseling, along with information and referrals to a crisis center service or to over 3,000 other community resources.
• Corbett Trauma Center (trauma counseling and sexual assault survivor services)
• TransCare (9-1-1 emergency and mental health ambulance services, medical van transportation, community paramedicine.)

For more information, visit here.

If you or a loved one is considering suicide or experiencing sexual trauma, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse and other emotional or situational problems, please dial 2-1-1 for help.