Despite Losing Funding, Tri-Valley Haven Providing Sexual Assault Support to Inmates

Tri-Valley Haven, working in conjunction with Santa Rita Jail, is set to provide much-needed services to incarcerated survivors of sexual assault.  This partnership is being undertaken in spite of the fact that the Haven is facing a 25% funding cut to prevention services from the California Department of Public Health. 

The services to be provided by Tri-Valley Haven are in accordance with the national standards set by the Prison Rape Elimination Act. These include access for inmates who have been sexually assaulted to the Haven’s 24 hour crisis line, in-person counseling by trained Tri-Valley Haven advocates, and crisis intervention.

Access to services can decrease re-traumatization and the fear inmates have in coming forward after being assaulted. When victims of prison rape are released--as the majority of inmates are-- and rejoin our communities, they often suffer a psychological toll from their victimization that can inhibit their ability to become productive members of society. Professional sexual assault counselors from Tri-Valley Haven assist incarcerated victims of sexual assault, by providing them with positive coping skills, support, and options.

Despite additional federal funding cuts, Tri-Valley Haven is dedicated to providing services to all victims in the Tri-Valley. Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault. Prevention programs which decrease domestic and sexual violence in our communities are essential.  Given the recent cuts, The Haven is reaching out to the local civic and business groups, including Wells Fargo Bank, in hopes to secure local prevention funds. Together we can build a world without violence.