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Mission Statement
Rape & Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas, Inc. exists for individuals and their families of sexual assault and suicide
prevention and awareness.
History
Rape Crisis of Southeast Texas was founded by members from the National Organization for Women of
southeast Texas. The Rape Crisis center eventually emerged as a result of public meetings held and attended by
dedicated and concerned citizens. The local NOW Chapter proceeded to form a Board of Directors and
established a 24 Hour Hotline in 1974.
The agency became involved in various outreach groups, namely, Texas Association Against Sexual Assault, Child
Abuse Task Force and Citizens Against Crime. The agency was then funded by fundraising and donations. In
1982, the Board of Directors voted to approach several local United Way Chapters for solid funding and support.
Beaumont United Way stepped up and asked to include suicide prevention in our program, and in 1984 the name
was officially changed to Rape & Suicide Crisis of Southeast Texas, Inc. United Way Beaumont supported this
change with additional funding. Throughout the years, the Center has received United Way support from Port
Arthur, Orange, Nederland, Port Neches and Hardin County. Survival of the Center was also made possible
through grants from the Criminal Justice Department, Texas Department of Health, as well as through the Victim
of Crimes Act.
In 1983, the education department was established to develop awareness of sexual assault throughout our
communities. Presentations are given in area schools, churches, civic organizations and professional settings.
The Crisis Center continues to participate in the Coalition Against Sexual Assault through participation in the
Annual Candelight Vigil in conjunction with other area Crime Victims Assistance agencies and the Sexual Assault
Awareness month in April.
Our goal is to assist our community in reducing the incidences of sexual assault through education and awareness
and reduce the degree of physical and emotional trauma experienced by sexual assault survivors and their families.
We are an active member of the Southeast Texas Sexual Assault Task Force with other members like, medical
facilities, law enforcement, CASA, CPS and Victim Assistance Centers. This task force was developed to
ensure a continuum of services for sexual assault survivors and their families.
