The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center

The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center was founded in 1972 and was the first rape crisis center in the state of Kansas. In response to a number of sexual assaults that were happening on the University of Kansas campus, a group of innovative women began to coordinate a response and create a community of survivors and supports who were committed to addressing rape and sexual assault on campus and in Lawrence, Kansas.

In 1978, our organization was incorporated at the Rape Victim Support Services and was known in the community as RVSS for 30 years. In 2004, our agency changed the name to GaDuGi SafeCenter in order to provide a more inclusive name for survivors and to recognize the expansion of services. GaDuGi (GAH-doo-ghee) is a Cherokee word that means “working together in a community sense.”

Our agency has expanded services with offices in Oskaloosa and Ottawa, developing youth services, therapeutic services, and education programs in Jefferson and Franklin Counties. In October 2015, our agency announced the name change to “The Sexual Trauma & Abuse Care Center”.

The mission of our agency is to promote a culture of consent while providing 24/7 support to anyone affected by sexual trauma & abuse in Douglas, Franklin, and Jefferson Counties. 

24/7 Support Hotline: Advocates are available to provide free and confidential crisis intervention, supportive counseling, safety planning, and more.

Comprehensive Advocacy and Support: Available at the hospital during evidence collection exams, police interviews, and court proceedings. Advocates are also available to talk in person to address any questions or concerns you may have. They can assist with filing a protection order, obtaining follow-up medical care, applying for victim's compensation, navigating through legal proceedings, and securing other social services that you might need.

Therapeutic Services: Available free-of-charge for anyone of any age affected by sexual violence, including survivors, their family members, and loved ones. 

Community Engagement and Outreach: Advocate presentations, trainings, and other innovative programming.