RVAP is staffed around the clock by trained sexual assault victim advocates. In Johnson, Cedar, Washington or Iowa County, if a survivor decides to have a medical exam following a sexual assault, advocates can meet her or him at the hospital and stay throughout the procedure. Advocates will also meet with survivors at any law enforcement agency within the four-county area at any time. Our rape crisis counselors have been trained in dealing with all aspects of sexual abuse, its impact and the recovery process. Peer counselors support survivors and their partners, friends and family members by listening and helping to clarify issues, identify options, and access resources.
Support groups can help break through the isolation that is common among survivors.
Groups for women who are rape survivors or adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse are offered regularly, and others, such as groups for male survivors and for significant others, may be offered periodically. Anyone interested can call the RVAP for information. Please call 335-6001 for more information. The RVAP has a wide selection of free resource materials about sexual abuse and the healing process, as well as a lending library of books which can be checked out for up to two weeks at a time. If you are interested in any of these materials, please stop call or stop by our office at 320 S. Linn in Iowa City.