RAPE CRISIS CENTER OF COLLIN COUNTY

Our mission is to highlight the impact of sexual violence on individuals and our community through education programs that foster hope, encourage change and prevent sexual violence.

The Turning Point is committed to reducing the prevalence of sexual violence in our community. We firmly believe that for this change to occur, each person has a responsibility and must do their part to prevent sexualized violence. The Turning Point Education team offers education programs which emphasize the effects of bullying, sexual harassment, and sexualized violence to individuals, schools, faith-based communities, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, medical practitioners and businesses to reach this goal.
It is our goal to set the standard for prevention education that promotes social change to end bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.

Crisis Advocacy:
We provide immediate crisis intervention services 24 hours, 7 days a week to inform and support persons affected, directly or indirectly, by sexual violence. Our volunteer advocates are trained to listen, assess the needs of the caller, offer support, and plan for their safety. When appropriate, the crisis volunteer will notify the police department, hospital, a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) and an advocate from The Turning Point to assist the victim.

Hospital Advocacy/Accompaniment:

Victim advocates provide support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during forensic rape exams at hospitals in Collin County, providing emotional support, information and referrals, safety planning and serving as the liaison between the survivor, family members, law enforcement and hospital.

Legal Advocacy:

Sexual assault is a pervasive crime that affects women, men, and children across Texas. The criminal justice system can be a daunting process for survivors of sexual assault. The realities of the system are unknown by most, and the process can be overwhelming. While final decisions about how a case proceeds are not always in the control of the survivor, active advocate involvement from reporting to sentencing can help to ensure that survivors’ voices are heard and their rights upheld throughout the process. Survivors deserve informed confident advocates that can help guide and support them through the legal system and protect their interests. The Turning Point provides trained advocates to assist throughout the process. The following are ways in which we can help.
•Assistance with applying for Crime Victim's Compensation
•Accompaniment to police departments and court
•Information about the criminal justice process
•Discussing reporting options and protective orders

Courtney’s SAFE Place is a free clinic that provides forensic exams, evidence collection, and advocacy for people who have experienced sexual assault within the last 120 hours. Referrals for counseling, legal services, follow-up medical care, and shelter are also available.

Courtney’s SAFE Place cares for adults ages 17 and up, of all genders, who are not currently under the influence of intoxicants, in need of emergency hospital services, or emergency psychiatric services. If you have questions about the appropriateness of care at Courtney's SAFE Place, please call 1-800-886-7273.

If an adult (18 and older) sexual assault victim is not ready to get the police involved, she or he still has the option to have a sexual assault examination conducted. No police report is required.

Courtney’s SAFE Place is staffed with sexual assault forensic examiners (SAFEs) and advocates. All staff have received extensive training in trauma-informed care and treat patients with respect and dignity.