SANTA MONICA – With the launch of www.911rape.org, rape victims now have a safe, anonymous place to seek the help they need. The website was developed by the nationally-recognized Rape
Treatment Center at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center (RTC). Created primarily for victims of rape and sexual assault, 911rape.org is the Internet’s most comprehensive information source.
911rape.org includes information on: What To Do If You Are Raped, Making
a Police Report, Obtaining Medical Care, the Impact of Rape, and Acquaintance
Rape. The “For Teens” section is especially important since teenagers are in
the highest risk group for rape and sexual assault and they are among the most
silent victims. This section provides answers to questions often asked by
adolescent victims and offers suggestions for how to tell their parents and
how to deal with the reactions of family members.
The site also offers extensive rape prevention information. Of special
note is the site’s “Rape Drugs” section which includes tips for enhancing
personal safety at clubs, on dates, and at parties.
To encourage breaking the silence that so often surrounds rape,
911rape.org posts testimonials from rape victims who poignantly tell their
stories. Visitors to the site can also be referred to services and other
resources through links.
“911rape.org provides a safe haven for victims to gather the information
and the strength they need to break their silence,” said Gail Abarbanel,
director of the Rape Treatment Center. “For most victims, telling is the
first step in the road to recovery and it is also the key to accessing
services. Our web site helps guide users through this process.”
Information on obtaining posters and other prevention materials from the
Rape Treatment Center’s national campus rape campaign is available on the
site.
Established in 1974, the Rape Treatment Center is the nation’s preeminent
center for victims of sexual assault. It is nationally recognized for its
leadership in developing exemplary treatment, prevention and education
programs. The RTC has provided comprehensive, free services for more than
20,000 sexual assault victims, including 24-hour emergency medical care and
forensic examinations, professional counseling, consultation, information,
advocacy, accompaniment, and other support services.
