Rape Crisis Center In Need Of Supplies

Sexual abuse survivor and advocate Lauren Book this week launched a statewide push to make communities aware of the critical needs of their local sexual assault treatment centers and get those needs met.  

“These centers provide a vital service at one of the worst moments of a person’s life – when they have been victimized by sexual violence,” said Lauren Book.  “Many of Florida’s centers do not even have toilet paper, rape care kits or other basic items to help the many survivors that they counsel everyday.”

Book said a great way to recognize April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month is to “find out about your center’s needs and get them met.”  She is featuring a list of centers and their requests on her website, and is using her Facebook and Twitter platforms to drive awareness and community involvement.

For more information about the initiative, visit laurenskids.org.

Here's what Sarasota's  (SPARCC) is in need of:

• Sports Bras in various sizes (S-XL) to be used in clothing kits that are given to survivors of rape at the hospital
• Books to give out to survivors (in outreach office) – I Never Called It Rape, Voices of Courage, May I Kiss You
• Underwear, socks, and large ziploc bags to be used for hospital clothing kits
• Stickers and Awareness ribbons
• Printing of “Get Carded” cards with awareness stats, prevention info and local resource information

Contact: Jessica Hays, Director of Community Awareness at 941-365-0208 ext. 106 jhays@sparcc.net