Sexual Assault Assistance Program of the Treasure Coast Moves to IRSC

August 27, 2021 Melanie Coppola

The Sexual Assault Assistance Program of the Treasure Coast (SAAPTC) has moved to the Indian River State College (IRSC) Massey Campus in Fort Pierce. The SAAPTC, founded in 1981, is the certified rape crisis center throughout the Treasure Coast.

“The IRSC Health and Wellness Center has always had a close working relationship with the Sexual Assault Assistance Program,” shares Patti Corey-Souza, Ph.D., R.N., Associate Professor at the IRSC Health and Wellness Center. “Having the office located on the Massey Campus will help ensure that our students receive enhanced education, prevention and seamless intervention when needed, and aids us in our initiative to promote overall health and wellness for students, employees and their families.”

IRSC and the SAAPTC’s longstanding partnership dates back to the crisis center’s inception in 1981. As the College focuses on providing a full complement of wrap-around services for students and employees, the addition of the SAAPTC to campus is a natural fit. It also paves the way for students at the College to intern or volunteer for the organization.

For those interested in getting involved, the SAAPTC has an internship program and volunteer opportunities for people age 18 and older. Volunteers are needed 24 hours a day, and schedules can be tailored to fit each individual’s availability. Volunteers are trained by the program staff and representatives of agencies who work with the SAAPTC in preparing them to respond to sexual assault cases.

“People often reach out to us scared—they do not know what the process is or what is going to happen with their case,” stated Barbara Faulkner, Victim Services Director at SAAPTC. “The SAAPTC provides them with that information and is there for them every step of the way. Our victim advocates, therapists and staff members are readily accessible for the campus community.”

The Sexual Assault Assistance Program office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday during the summer, and Monday–Friday during Fall and Spring. The SAAPTC office can be found on the IRSC Massey Campus in the KSU Building, Room 115. For more information on the SAAPTC, call 772-462-7033 or visit www.sexualassaultassistanceprogram.org.