A Santa Barbara County crisis center that assists and advocates for sexual assault survivors celebrated 45 years of perseverance on Saturday.
The North County Rape Crisis and Child Protection Center provides advocacy and referral services to survivors of sexual violence along with comfort to individuals who have experienced this kind of trauma.
The mission of the crisis center is to reduce incidence and vulnerability for victims of sexual assault.
The organization also works with law enforcement investigators to bring justice to survivors.
“We provide a service that allows them or helps them do a better investigation because we’re dealing with the emotional side of sexual violence and that survivor,” Ann McArty, the organization’s executive director, said.
McArty said they’ve seen a spike in numbers over the past three years.
Advocates celebrated the Center’s ongoing work Saturday, providing volunteers a free meal at Industrial Eats in Buelton.
