REAL Exclusive Magazine

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC)

By Ed Bertha

Saving Lives Today and Tomorrow…

As the new year begins and we continue to create new lasting memories with family and friends everyone must be aware that the increased financial and emotional stresses of the season can lead to an increase in domestic and sexual violence. The Suncoast is fortunate to have Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) whose mission is to stop domestic violence in our communities.

Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, Inc. was founded as a non-profit in 1979, and will celebrate 40 years of providing free and confidential services to Sarasota and DeSoto counties in 2019. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used to establish power and control over an intimate partner, often leading to the threat or use of violence. Domestic violence includes physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse and can occur in all socioeconomic classes, racial and ethnic backgrounds, age groups, religious affiliations, and sexual orientations. According to the latest statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in the state of Florida over 108,000 domestic violence cases were reported, including 170 deaths at the hands of an intimate partner or relative.

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SPARCC STATISTICS ◊ Fiscal Year 2017-2018
Emergency Shelter ◊ SPARCC provided safe shelter days to 219 adults, 139 children and 30 pets.
Advocacy ◊ 2,181 survivors of violence received services in our outreach offices. Services include safety planning, crisis counseling, court advocacy, referrals for community resources, and support groups.
Helpline & ER Services ◊ 2,591 helpline callers were provided with crisis counseling and needs assessments.
Education Program ◊ 5000+ youth, law enforcement and medical professionals were provided with individual and group education and prevention services.
Hospital On Call ◊ 89 24-hour hospital on call services.
Legal Services ◊ 316 survivors received legal services.

SPARCC provides a comprehensive list of free and confidential programs and services focused on serving victims and breaking the cycle of violence. Programs include a 24-hour crisis helpline; 24-hour shelter; safety planning; crisis counseling; case management; children services; information and referrals; professional training; economic justice/financial planning; hospital advocacy; system coordination; legal assistance; therapy; support groups; community awareness programming and prevention education. Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center provides educational presentations free of charge to local schools and community youth programs. As well as providing professional education about both domestic and sexual violence to law enforcement agencies, health care staff, social services and human resource professionals. SPARCC is actively engaged in the primary prevention of domestic and sexual violence through goals and activities aimed at addressing and changing social norms that support violence in our community. SPARCC truly believes that a violence-free society is attainable and they are committed to breaking the cycle through awareness and education.

Heading into the new fiscal year 2018-2019, SPARCC offers 7 support groups, 2 of which are new. Support groups provide survivors with a safe environment and tools that promote healing, safety and empowerment. Recently SPARCC has partnered with Women’s Resource Center (WRC) to increase accessibility to groups and resources.

Sarasota County Support Groups
New: Sexual Assault
New: Unhealthy Relationships (at WRC)
Parents Who Are Survivors of Domestic Violence
Jail Support Group for Sexual Violence

DeSoto County Support Groups
Spanish Speaking Domestic Violence Support Group
Spanish Speaking Sexual Assault Support Group
Jail Support Group for Sexual Violence

Pressures from the holidays combined with other stresses can serve as triggers for domestic violence and there are often more people seeking shelter and services during this time of year. For more information about Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), their Treasure Chest resale store or to make a donation, please visit their website at sparcc.net.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship call the 24-hour crisis hotline at 941.365.1976. Donations and Volunteers are also needed. Please contact SPARCC at 941.365.0208.

SPARCC
2139 Main Street, Sarasota, FL 34237
941.365.0208
www.sparcc.net
24-Hour Hotline: 941.365.1976

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