The What of the RCC

The Rape Crisis Center of Medina/Summit Counties focuses on

Healing, Hope, and Empowerment.

The mission statement of the RCC is:
"The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties is committed to ending sexual assault through education and awareness, and to empower, support and advocate for all those affected by this crime."

The philosophy of the crisis center is as follows:
- We offer confidential services to all our clients.
- We believe in each individual's strength, creativity, and resolution.
- We strive to empower individuals to feel free to make their own choices.
- We will not advocate any one, specific choice or method of dealing with sexual assault.
- We are committed to cultural awareness and cultural competency in serving all clients.
- We will help individuals explore all options by providing sound information.

All of these aspects of the center's philosophy are made apparent in conversation I had with Denise, from the center. She made it very clear, in a kind and generous way, that they will not make the choice for a person on what to do about the sexual assault. They are supportive of all choices and want the victim to do what is best for them. And they let the person know that either choice made will be met with support and help to get through the tough decision.

A lot of the time this voice of acceptance can be a very important voice for the victim, because families and friends will often offer their opinions on which decision to make even if that is not really the best choice for the victim. It was made clear to me that the police take sexual assault/rape very seriously and that the center works alongside them in justice advocacy.