A community free of sexual assault must include community education. We plant the seeds we want to flourish--the seeds of respect, justice, and positivity. Community education is an important part of RCC's prevention programming. RCC workshops and trainings bring knowledge and resources about sexual violence to our community.

Our Philosophy

Rape Crisis Center works to support the internal capacity of agencies to work on the issue of sexual violence. In order to prevent sexual assault, we need to do more than one-time presentations to groups. It means that if an art teacher is interested in working on sexual assault, we can help create an art project on the topic of gender violence, rather than simply come into the classroom and do a one-time presentation.

Our Work with Schools

The Rape Crisis Center works with area high schools with a program called "IMAGINE." The IMAGINE program is a peer education model that offers high school students the opportunity to increase their awareness about sexual violence and gender issues. The IMAGINE program aims to educate youth so they, in turn, can educate their peers about the issue of sexualized violence. For specific help with programming in schools, please call Maria Schirmer at 251-5126.

Our Work in the Community

TRAININGS: Rape Crisis Center offers training programs and assistance to agencies on a variety of topics. Our work ranges from medical school student training to police officer academy trainings. We have helped self-defense instructors prepare for work with sexual assault survivors and trained University students to do peer education on the topic of sexual violence. Please contact Maria Schirmer at 251-5126 if you have a training idea.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH: Rape Crisis Center proudly coordinates the Dane County community's observance of Sexual Assault Awareness Month each April. Sexual Assault Awareness Month provides the opportunity to educate the community about sexual violence and encourages involvement. If you are interested in participating in next year's organizing group, please call RCC at 251-5126.