Rape Crisis Hotline (800) 773-8570
For 24/7 assistance and information on your options, call our rape crisis hotline to speak with a Sexual Assault Response Advocate (SARA).
Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC)
The Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) provides comprehensive, free and confidential rape crisis services to sexual assault survivors and domestic violence survivors aged 12 and older and their non-offending family members, friends, and partners throughout the State of Delaware. SARC is committed to providing healing, hope and empowerment to individuals whose lives have been impacted by sexual violence whether the assault happened yesterday or many years ago. If you or someone you care about has been sexually assaulted, reaching out for help can be the first step toward recovery and healing.
For immediate assistance and information on your options, call our crisis helpline at (800) 773-8570. SARC assists survivors in need of medical, police and legal accompaniment, supportive telephone counseling, aftercare follow-up services, individual and group counseling, as well as information and referral to vital community services.
SARC is committed to providing emergency sexual assault and domestic violence responses to all Delawareans who need it. Please note that while the SARC helpline is available 24/7, the wait times for specalized services after regular business hours (6 a.m. to 6 p.m. excluding holidays) may be delayed due to increased requests for our services during these unprecedented times.
Here to Help – SARC Services
We offer a variety of services and are only a call away.
- 24/7 Sexual Assault Response Helpline (800) 773-8570
- 24/7 Medical and Legal Accompaniment
- Information and Referral to Resources
- Aftercare Follow-Up Case Management Services
- Individual Trauma Informed Sexual Assault Counseling
- Support Groups
- Community Outreach and Prevention Education
- Center Locations: Newark, Wilmington & Georgetown
- Victim Services Policies and Information
Attend Empower, SARC’s Support Group
YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center’s Empower Support Group is open to individuals of all genders and sexual identities who have experienced trauma. Group sessions are held every other Wednesday from 6 – 8 p.m. and are free to participants.
To begin the intake process, contact Lauren Rosen at LRosen@ywcade.org.
Get Involved and Support our Efforts
Volunteer
Sexual Assault Response Advocates, or SARAs, provide support to survivors of all forms of sexual and domestic violence through trauma-informed, survivor-centered care. Our advocates staff the 24/7 Helpline and accompany survivors to medical and legal services.
Learn more about becoming a Sexual Assault Response Advocate – Volunteer Brochure. Click the button below to fill out a SARC volunteer application today. Questions? Please contact Debbie Litten, SARC Victim Services Director at (302) 224-4060, ext. 205.
FILL OUT SARC
VOLUNTEER APPLICATIONDOWNLOAD A SARC
VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Survivor Survey Opportunity
A very important part of the Family Justice Center development process is to make sure we have access to survivor input. This survey is designed to help inform us on how to improve the experience for survivors when they seek help. We have worked closely with the University of Delaware to develop this survey to ensure we use best practices in our approach. It is available in both English and Spanish with a question that will take the participant automatically to either language.
Understanding Sexual Violence
Here are some helpful resources and information for survivors, their families and friends.
Community Guide | Teens | LGBTQ | Elderly | Men and Boys | Persons with Disabilities
Sexual Assault Prevention Education

In April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, YWCA Delaware’s Sexual Assault Response Center (SARC) supported Delaware State University’s Inaugural Sexual Assault Awareness 5k Walk/Run to raise awareness about sexual assault prevention. During the event SARC provided prevention education materials on building healthy relationships and spotting the signs of sexual violence. Proceeds from the event supported the needs of survivors as well as the education and prevention of Sexual Violence on Delaware State University’s campus.
Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness
For help, to report a tip, to find services, or to learn more about Human Trafficking, visit: www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
YWCA Delaware SARC Annual Report
Interested in making a donation?
For more information, contact Elizabeth McCourt, Sexual Assault Response Center Director,
at 302.224.4060 x210 or emccourt@ywcade.org.
This program is funded through the Delaware Criminal Justice Council by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Violence Against Women.