What is
SAS?

THE SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES (SAS) pROGRAM OF BELEAF SURVIVORS iS dEEMED tHE “SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICE PROVIDER” fOR RACINE COUNTY bY tHE WISCONSIN COALITION AGAINST SEXUAL ASSAULT. aS sUCH, IT IS tHE oNLY ORGANIZATION iN oUR cOUNTY dEDICATED tO tHE fULL cONTINUUM oF nEEDS oF sEXUAL aSSAULT vICTIMS.

SERVICES iNCLUDE a 24 hOUR HELP lINE, 24 hOUR hOSPITAL rESPONSE, fAMILY aDVOCACY aT tHE RACINE COUNTY CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER, pERSONAL aND lEGAL aDVOCACY, tHERAPY/ sUPPORT GROUPS, aND cOMMUNITY AWARENESS/ EDUCATION.

ALL sERVICES aRE aVAILABLE iN ENGLISH AND SPANISH aND pROVIDED fREE oF cHARGE.

What services are available?

BeLEAF Survivors’ Sexual Assault Services Program (SAS) provides the following services to the Racine community. All services are available free of charge.

We are committed to providing compassionate, accessible, and inclusive support to all individuals affected by sexual assault, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We believe in treating all individuals with respect, dignity, and fairness. Our services are available to anyone in need, and we strive to create an environment where every person feels safe, valued, and supported without fear of discrimination.

If you have any concerns regarding our services or need assistance, please contact us, and we will do our best to address your needs in a way that respects your identity and experiences.

Help Line/ Hospital Response Team

BeLEAF operates a 24/7/365 Help Line for survivors and other concerned community members. Volunteer advocates and staff are also available to respond 24 hours a day to Racine and Burlington hospitals to meet with survivors and families to provide emotional support and information.

Professional Therapy

Short- and long-term therapy is provided free of charge by Masters level counselors to individuals, couples, and families who have been affected by sexual violence.

Support Groups

SAS provides support groups for survivors of sexual assault and their support people.

All groups are confidential.

Information & Referrals

SAS provides referrals to community resources serving survivors and their families.

Family Advocacy

A SAS Family Advocate provides support, information, and advocacy to the children and families served at the Racine County Child Advocacy Center.

Legal Advocacy

SAS provides support and information throughout the legal process. Staff can accompany survivors and their families to court, as well as attend hearings that survivors and their families cannot or wish not to attend.

Community Education

SAS provides free educational programs and in-services for community groups, organizations, schools, businesses, and government entities. SAS also helps organize community awareness events and informational displays.

Become a Volunteer

Volunteer advocates spend one day a month answering crisis calls
from survivors and other concerned community members,
as well as responding to area hospitals when a survivor reports an assault.

Call BeLEAF at (262) 619-1634 to learn more about available volunteer opportunities.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers are also needed.

Contact

SAS Staff

A SAS staff member can typically be reached by calling 262-619-1634 Monday through Friday. If you want to read the SCAN staff member bios you can go to our staff page here.

*Co-Director*: Programs
**Annabell Bustillos**

Co-Director: Operations
**Samantha Sustachek**

*Bilingual Therapist*/ Terapeuta Bilingüe
**Kari Wilder**

*Family Support Advocate*/ *Volunteer Coordinator*
**Christa Dasher**

*Bilingual Outreach Advocate*/ Trabajadora Bilingüe
**Lally Martinez**

“The cost, even after insurance really made therapy unaffordable for me. Not having to worry about the finances has helped me focus on the therapeutic work I needed to do to feel better rather than stressing over the cost.”
– BeLEAF therapy client

“They provided answers in a time when all I had was questions. They helped me slow down my mind and let me know that it was going to get better.”
– survivor’s BeLEAF experience

“I will never forget that you were there for us in the beginning of a very scary and traumatic time in our lives. Your presence provided a much needed sense of calm and guidance for my daughter and all of us. Thank you.”
– mother of a survivor