You are not alone. It was not your fault. We are here to help.*
sexual assault crisisandprevention servicesProject Sister Family Services (PSFS) strives to reduce the trauma and the risk of sexual assault, child abuse, and child sexual abuse in the East San Gabriel and Inland Valleys of Southern California by providing a variety of crisis intervention services and outreach and prevention programs. |
Counseling programs Part of our long tradition of healing At Project Sister Family Services, where we work every day to reduce the trauma and risk of sexual violence and child abuse, we know that the incidence of child physical and sexual abuse throughout our service area is very high. Our agency's statistics demonstrate the impact of our work with children in the cities we serve. Last year, Project Sister Family Services counselors served 231 individual clients with 1,846 hours of individual counseling. Fully 41%, of all individual counseling clients in 2006-07 were under the age of 18. We also understand the urgent need to intervene in cases of child abuse, so that children can heal from the trauma of physical and sexual abuse, reclaim their childhoods, and move forward into happy and productive futures. PSFS' counseling services for children provide the link to recovery for the youngest, most vulnerable victims of violence, and represent a critical element in our long tradition of healing for survivors of all ages in our community. The healing effects of counseling are essential to preventing a pattern of self-destructive behaviors from developing in children who have experienced the trauma of sexual and physical abuse. For example, studies show compelling evidence that a strong relationship exists between child abuse and revictimization. In its 2004 document, Research on Rape and Violence, the California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA) related a 1999 study of 3,006 women which indicated that women who had been raped earlier in their lives were seven times more likely to be raped again. Children who learn violence in their homes may also continue the cycle of abuse in their families as adults. In its 2002 report, CALCASA cites a study of young women who reported that they had been abused as children. The study found that they were more likely to report that their own children had been abused or had been placed in foster care by Child Protective Services. Many survivors have served time in prison for prostitution or drug use, which comes at great cost to their children and to society. Project Sister Family Services' counseling services relieve fear and anxiety in vulnerable young victims of abuse, and restore their feelings of self-worth and hope. Through the caring intervention of a PSFS counselor, young survivors of abuse can overcome the trauma that, left untreated, can lead to severe depression or suicidal tendencies. Our counselors also utilize the information collected on our client intake forms to help end the cycle of violence within a survivor's family. If a parent, for example, reports a personal history of abuse, our counselors are able to treat the parent';s trauma as well as the child's, increasing the likelihood that a safer, healthier family environment for the child will emerge. Project Sister Family Services accepts referrals for children in need of counseling from local human service agencies, schools, families, the Children's Advocacy Center, and the Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties' Department of Child and Family Services, among other sources. While the need for service is great, our funds for child counseling from government contracts such as CAPIT (Child Abuse Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment) are limited and are quickly exhausted, requiring that Project Sister Family Services identify other avenues of support. To schedule individual or group counseling services, please call the Project Sister Family Services business office. (909.623.1619 or 626.915.2535) *24-hour Help Line • 909.626.HELP (909.626.4357) • 626.966.4155
7 days a week For immediate crisis assistance, please call our 24-hour Help Line. All other questions or comments can be directed to Project Sister Family Services Information. Questions and comments should be non-emergency in nature and will be answered within a week of receipt. |
How can we help?
Counseling Groups Rape survivor group Tuesdays For questions about these groups, please contact Dr. Dina Daleo at 909.623.1619. |
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