Services & Programs

ASC provides a 24 hour crisis line that allows victims and their caregivers or friends to talk with specially trained staff. Callers may speak anonymously or request further services from ASC. Anyone can access the hotline by dialing 234-9236, or toll-free at 1-877-672-2124. ASC participates in the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), so you can also dial 1-800-656-HOPE for a national rape crisis line.

Forensic evidence collection exams can be completed within 96 hours after an assault at ASC’s regional facility, if the victim is 14 years or older and has sustained no serious physical injury from the assault. These exams are completed by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), a registered nurse who has specialized training to do sexual assault exams. If it is necessary for a victim to an examination at a local hospital emergency room because of medical concerns, someone from ASC can accompany the victim during that process for support.

Our facility is now servicing victims of child sexual abuse and assault who are 13 years old or younger. We have a physician with specialized training who may do child sexual abuse exams on site, with a referral from an investigating law enforcement agency or child protective services. If we are unable to do the exam at ASC, staff will assist the victim and referring professionals in locating an appointment with a trained physician at the nearest facility. Our facility maintains 2 medical exam, one specifically for children and one for adults.

To access a medical examination for a victim, call ASC and staff or volunteers will assist in exploring the most appropriate options and referrals to appropriate agencies, if needed.

Mental Health Professionals are available for short-term individual and family therapy for victims and non-offending family members. Therapy is a process of recovery in managing stressors, exploring safe expression of feelings and using available support resources. Appointments to see a therapist can be scheduled during regular office hours, M-F.

Trained advocates assist victims throughout the court system by orienting them to its complexities and acting as a liaison with prosecutors and investigators. Victim Advocates will accompany in the courtroom and provide support and information during that process. In addition, they can provide referrals to ASC services or other outside community resources as needed.

ASC acts as a resource for professionals and community members needing assistance or information related to sexual abuse and assault. Assistance is also available to direct victims to appropriate resources or in completing forms related to court activities.

We provide consultations to various professionals and agencies regarding program related and general sexual assault and sexual abuse issues, including facilitating the development and implementation of multi-disciplinary team investigations.

ASC provides education and training programs to child, adolescent, and adult groups, as well as professionals. Classes focus on a variety of issues surrounding sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, shaken baby syndrome, bulling and internet safety. To schedule a class for a school, professional, or community group, contact the education department at ASC to discuss training needs.

The regional facility, located in Elizabethtown, has victim friendly child and adult interview rooms for investigators to use when speaking with victims. Both of these rooms have closed circuit audiovisual capabilities for investigators to use if they wish. To use an interview room, you must call and schedule a specific interview room prior to the interview.

A forensic interview is a structured questioning of a child or adult for the purpose of gathering information to further the criminal investigation of an abuse allegation. ASC offers both directly provided as well as hosted forensic interviews. The facility has victim friendly child and adult interview rooms equipped with closed circuit audiovisual capabilities. For hosted interviews, investigators may call and schedule a specific interview room prior to the interview. Investigators may also request that an ASC forensic interviewer conduct the child interview. Referrals for ASC conducted forensic interviews are accepted M-F during regular office hours and are scheduled in advance.

ASC volunteers may choose to provide crisis counseling via the 24 hour crisis telephone line, provide medical advocacy, education, fund-raising, and office assistance. Volunteers must be 20 years of age or older to provide direct victim services, and complete a 40 hour training provided by the Advocacy & Support Center. All volunteers must complete a criminal background check and be free of any felony convictions or charges.