ZACHARIAS CENTER | EMILY STRICKLAND

In the United States, a sexual assault takes place every 68 seconds. Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center, also known as Z Center, is the only state certified rape crisis center in Lake County. Emily Strickland, the Director of Community Services, joins Podcast Lake County to highlight the work of this non-profit organization that provides free, trauma-informed services to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones, regardless of race, gender, language, ability, or sexual orientation. Serving Lake County for over 40 years, Z Center offers a comprehensive outline of care including medical and legal advocacy; a 24-hour support line; text support line; and across the board guidance with new digital services. In this interview, Strickland shares some of the challenges for the organization; misconceptions; prevention education initiatives; and the various ways that volunteers, businesses and community can support Z Center.