OUR HISTORY
In 1995, the rape
crisis centers in the State of
The
group became incorporated on October 23, 1995, filed bylaws and began
meeting regularly. By 1997, the Alabama Department of Public Health
awarded ACAR a Violence Against Women Act grant for rape prevention
education. A Prevention Educator was hired.
The
office took shape. Contacts developed. And by the winter of 1997, four
staff members – including two Prevention Educators – were in place.
Their jobs took them to counties not being served by a rape crisis
program. The Prevention Educators took the programs to junior and senior
high schools, colleges, community and civic clubs, churches, hospitals
and other locations within the 15 underserved counties. Topics included
safety tips, date rape drugs, how to recognize dangerous situations and
what help is available to those who are victimized.
ACAR
took a bigger leap in its mission. The Alabama Department of Economic
and Community Affairs awarded a grant in 1998 for ACAR to conduct law
enforcement trainings across the state. Conducted by nationally known
trainers, the conferences covered topics including techniques for
interviewing sexual assault victims, profiling rapists, evidence
collection, DNA technology and on policies and procedures regarding
sexual assault.
By
using technology, law enforcement training reached hundreds of line
officers, supervisors, chiefs and sheriffs. The trainings earned
excellent ratings by the participants, who stated that the subject had
long been overlooked. Some officers received advanced training on crisis
intervention and rape response.
In
1999, this same grant was renewed and expanded to include training for
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). ACAR hosted the first statewide
SANE training. Then, about 55 registered nurses received 20-plus hours
of training on conducting a rape exam, working with sexual assault
survivors and collaborating with allied agencies.
Two
more grants followed in response to ACAR’s success. The
ACAR
continues to expand its prevention programs to prosecutors and
probation/parole officers. The agency also is steadfast in being a voice
for the victims and stamping out the myths surrounding sexual violence.