Sexual Assault Center

We are the only center in Saginaw providing comprehensive services exclusively for children, adolescents, adults and family survivors healing from the trauma of sexual violence.

Counseling Services

The issues surrounding sexual abuse can be complex, diverse and intense, and our clinicians have been specifically trained to deal with these issues. Victims of sexual abuse and assault face various symptoms and trauma responses. The Sexual Assault Center believes that victims and their families can benefit from the expertise our clinicians have to offer in trauma recovery.

We provide services for the following populations:

  • Child, adolescent, and adult survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault/rape, unwanted sexual contact, or dating violence
  • Family members impacted by the abuse or assault
  • Children displaying inappropriate sexual behaviors
  • Victims of sexual harassment or stalking
  • Victims of all genders (men, women, non-binary, etc.)

Our clinical team can provide:

  • Individual counseling
  • Family counseling
  • Group counseling
  • Play therapy techniques
  • Trauma resolution
  • Behavior management
  • Education and skill building

Crisis Services

The Sexual Assault Center operates a crisis line to specifically deal with the issues of sexual assault. Our crisis line operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing callers with crisis intervention, emotional support, information and referrals to community services, including access to medical forensic exams following a recent sexual assault.

Additional Important Crisis Resources

Michigan's Sexual Assault Hotline:

Michigan's Sexual Assault Text Line:

1-866-238-1454

Victim Advocacy

Victim Advocates are specially trained to provide in-person response following a sexual assault or crisis intervention to crisis line callers. Victims and family members are flooded with many normal emotions following the trauma of sexual assault. Feelings of fear, confusion, shame, anger and alienation may be experienced.

Advocates provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere. They listen, assist you in exploring your options and support you as you make the difficult decisions that are best for you. Advocates attempt to help you reestablish a sense of trust and safety and to reduce your sense of isolation and self-blame. In most instances, they can promise you confidentiality in the process.

Through crisis intervention we strive to minimize the emotional trauma of sexual assault and the secondary trauma that survivors experience following an assault.

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Sexual Assault Center, apply on our Volunteer page.

Sexual Assault Response Team – SART

SART is comprised of a team of Forensic Nurses, advocates, local law enforcement and medical personnel who provide comprehensive compassionate care to the victims of sexual assault. Sexual assault patients receive both emotional support by the advocate and therapeutic medical care in a safe environment. This care includes a confidential exam in a non-threatening environment, a complete nursing assessment, including collection for legal evidence and documentation of injuries, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, and prophylactic medication as indicated.

All Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are registered nurses. They have completed a specialized nurse examiners program, which includes traditional classroom and one-on-one training with forensics professionals. They perform thorough, comprehensive examinations of victims and later may testify in court.

Legal Advocacy

Our legal advocacy services are intended to aid you and your family during the legal process. We strive to meet your personal needs and minimize trauma during this difficult period. The Sexual Assault Center is committed to helping victims feel empowered and educated about the legal system through the use of our services.

Our Legal Advocate Provides:

  • Education about the legal system
  • Support during the investigative process
  • Emotional support throughout the legal process
  • Referral information for victims and their family members to professional counselors, support groups and community resources
  • A collaborating link with the Children’s Advocacy Center, law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office
  • Tours of the courthouse
  • Information and updates about court cases
  • Assistance in completing victim impact statements
  • Assistance in securing legal rights with the prosecutor’s office, judicial system and local law enforcement
  • Information and assistance when filing for Crime Victim’s Compensation, Crime Victim Notification Network and Personal Protection Orders

Resources

Learn how to complete a victim impact statement:
Learn more about your Michigan Constitutional Rights:
Learn more about the criminal and civil legal system:
Learn about the crime victims compensation fund:
Learn about the criminal justice process from the circuit to district court:

Sexual Assault Center Staff

portrait of Annie Coker

Annie Coker, LMSW, CTS

Sexual Assault Center Director

Jane Shanafelt, LMSW

Clinician

portrait of Meaghan Zielinski

Meaghan Zielinski, BS

Victim Services Unit Supervisor

portrait of Mishelle Powell-Storey

Mishelle Powell-Storey, LMSW

Clinician

portrait of Tracy Kaul

Tracy Kaul, BS

Legal Advocate

portrait of Allison Dakos

Allison Dakos, BA

Crisis Services Coordinator

Vershonda McKandes

Sexual Assault Advocate

Elizabeth Srebinski, BA

Victim Services Specialist