Every 68 seconds someone in the United States is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes that victim is a child according to statistics from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network).
Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center (ZCenter) works with survivors because the effects of sexual assault are almost impossible to conquer alone. Their staff and counselors work to alleviate survivors’ trauma from sexual assault and abuse and to prevent them from being re-traumatized as they heal. Victims of sexual assault face higher risks of depression, substance abuse, eating and sleep disorders, and are more likely to suffer from the following:
Approximately 70% of rape or sexual assault victims experience moderate to severe distress, a larger percentage than for any other violent crime.
-13 times more likely to attempt suicide  
-4 times more likely to develop symptoms of drug abuse
-4 times more likely to experience PTSD  
-3 times more likely to experience a major depressive episode

ZCenter’s mission is to mobilize the community towards ending systemic sexual violence while amplifying the voice of survivors through trauma-informed care, advocacy, and prevention education. Opening in 1983, ZCenter is a rape crisis center focused on helping those who have experienced sexual violence. They have been Lake County’s only rape crisis center for 40 years. In 2016, they opened a location in Skokie to better serve clients in Cook County.. Both facilities were designed to be accessible to meet all of their clients’ needs. In an ideal world, their services would not be needed. Unfortunately, sexual violence is an unrelenting problem. Until there is an end to sexual assault and abuse, ZCenter will continue to serve all survivors without discrimination and educate the communities in which they work. Their clients are a diverse group of individuals of all ages and backgrounds in all communities throughout Northeastern Illinois. All programs consider the special needs of children, the elderly, those with disabilities, and those experiencing poverty. Services are free and available to all survivors regardless of race, gender, language, ability, sexual orientation, or religion. By providing survivors with emotional support and empowering them during a time when they feel most vulnerable, ZCenter has continued a 40-year endeavor to end sexual violence.  

Through Counseling, Advocacy, and Prevention Education (CAPE) Programs, ZCenter counselors and staff work to alleviate the trauma of sexual assault and abuse on survivors and to prevent re-traumatization as they heal. They help adult and child survivors work through trauma and find healthy strategies to address the after-effects of abuse. Non-offending parents, caregivers, and significant others of survivors learn ways to deal with their personal feelings about the assault and the impact on the survivor and their relationships. ZCenter works to be an active presence in the community and to speak up in support of and in partnership with all survivors of sexual violence. Prevention Education and Outreach services enhance the understanding of the impact of sexual violence in the community at large, other professionals, and service providers. Their clients are a culturally diverse group of individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and economic means. 

ZCenter is holding their Annual Spring Luncheon on May 17th at the Evanston Golf Club, where they expect 200+ attendees.  All proceeds directly support survivors of sexual violence. Donors will be recognized on our social media, in event literature where appropriate, and on our auction website in addition to receiving a formal acknowledgment.