SARA Roanoke

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from SARA Roanoke, Nonprofit Organization, 3034 Brambleton Avenue SW, Roanoke, VA.

SARA (Sexual Assault Response and Awareness) is the sexual assault crisis center for the Roanoke Valley in Virginia, offering free, confidential, and voluntary services to survivors and their loved ones.

10/07/2026

Building a safer community starts with unlearning harmful misconceptions.

Today, we're addressing three common myths about sexual violence to help our community stay informed, empathetic, and supportive.

❌ MYTH: Sexual assault is usually committed by strangers in dark alleys.
✅ FACT: Statistically, the vast majority of sexual violence—over 80%—is committed by someone known to the victim, such as an acquaintance, partner, friend, or family member. Violence thrives on access and trust, not just random encounters.

❌ MYTH: If someone didn't fight back physically, it wasn't assault.
✅ FACT: During trauma, the brain’s automatic threat response often triggers "freeze" (tonic immobility) or "fawn" (appeasement) reactions. These are involuntary biological survival mechanisms hardwired into the nervous system, making physical struggle or speaking impossible. Lack of physical resistance is a trauma response, not consent.

❌ MYTH: Only women experience sexual violence.
✅ FACT: Sexual violence impacts people of all genders, ages, orientations, and backgrounds. Because sexual violence is rooted in power, control, and systemic oppression, it disproportionately impacts marginalized communities—including LGBTQ+, transgender, nonbinary, and BIPOC individuals—who often face heightened barriers to safety and care.

SARA provides free, confidential services to anyone ages 13 and older.Education is prevention.

Share this post to help us spread accurate, trauma-informed awareness across the Roanoke Valley! 💜

📞 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 540-981-9352

10/05/2026

We are deeply thankful for a generous $300 donation received from The Spetzler Fund of Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia.

Contributions like this directly strengthen our ability to provide free, confidential, trauma-informed care—including our 24/7 crisis hotline, hospital advocacy, counseling, and legal support—to survivors across the Roanoke Valley.

When local funding organizations invest in survivor services, they help ensure that zero-cost, compassionate care is available when our community needs it most.

Thank you for standing with survivors and supporting our mission! 🙌

10/01/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Today, we stand alongside survivors, advocates, and community partners across the Roanoke Valley as we honor those impacted by intimate partner abuse. 💜

At SARA Roanoke, we frequently see the deeply intertwined reality of domestic violence and sexual violence. Sexual assault and coercion within relationships are far more common than many realize; yet shame, fear, and stigma often keep these experiences hidden.

Understanding the intersection:
⚫️ Power & Control: Both forms of violence stem from one person seeking power, control, and dominance over another.

⚫️ Intimate Partner Sexual Violence: Sexual assault isn't just committed by strangers; it frequently occurs within marriages, long-term relationships, and dating partnerships.

⚫️ Compounded Trauma: Survivors navigating intimate partner violence often face emotional, physical, financial, and sexual abuse simultaneously.

Healing requires a community effort that rejects violence in all its forms. Throughout this month, we encourage everyone to listen to survivors, challenge abusive behaviors, and champion healthy, consensual relationships.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or coercion—whether within a relationship or otherwise—SARA is here to offer free, confidential support.

📞 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 540-981-9352

09/30/2026

September camera roll 📸✨

From celebrating love, diversity, and equality at Southwest Virginia Pride 🌈 to welcoming our newest cohort of Volunteer Crisis Advocates, September was packed with community, learning, and connection across the Star City.

Swipe through to catch a glimpse of our month ➡️ (featuring an essential appearance by Duke 🐾).

Whether we were tabling at Hollins University, training new advocates, or hanging out in the office, we’re constantly reminded how lucky we are to do this work in the Roanoke Valley.

Thank you for showing up for survivors and standing with us every step of the way! 💜

📞 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 540-981-9352

09/23/2026

It’s common for survivors to ask themselves: “Was it really that bad?” or “Do I actually deserve help when others have been through worse?”

We want to remind you that your pain is valid, regardless of the circumstances. You do not need to justify your emotions or reach a specific threshold of suffering before seeking support. If something felt wrong, confusing, or hurtful, you deserve a safe space to talk through it.

Our advocates are here to listen without judgment or expectation. When you are ready, we are here.

📞 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 540-981-9352

09/17/2026

In the moments following an acute trauma or crisis, having a steady, empowering presence can make all the difference. SARA’s Crisis Advocates provide 24/7 emergency hospital advocacy and are automatically dispatched to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital when a survivor presents at the Emergency Department.

What our advocates do:
✔️ Provide immediate emotional support during medical exams.
✔️ Help explain your rights and options clearly.
✔️ Offer trauma-informed care so you never feel alone or rushed.

Our emergency hospital advocacy is free, confidential and available in partnership with Roanoke Memorial Hospital and their incredible Forensic Nurse Examiners.

09/11/2026

Time is running out to join our Fall 2026 Volunteer Cohort! Training begins Tuesday, September 22nd, and applications are closing soon.

Help us ensure no survivor in Roanoke has to navigate hospital advocacy alone.

Apply to become a Volunteer Crisis Advocate (VCA) now at https://sararoanoke.org/get-involved/volunteer/.

09/09/2026

Healing isn't just about processing hard emotions—it's also about giving your mind and body the rest they deserve.

Trauma places a heavy physical and emotional load on your nervous system. If you feel exhausted, unmotivated, or simply need to step back from everyday expectations, give yourself permission to pause today. Rest is not a luxury or a sign of weakness; it is a vital part of your recovery process.

Be gentle with yourself today. You are doing the best you can, and that is more than enough. 💜

📞 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 540-981-9352

09/04/2026

When a survivor requests a SARA advocate at the hospital, our Volunteer Crisis Advocates (VCAs) answer the call. You can be that steady, empowering presence during a difficult moment.

Our next training cycle kicks off September 22nd. Applications are open now.

Take the first step today! Link in Bio!

09/02/2026

When a friend, family member, or coworker opens up to you about experiencing trauma or sexual violence, knowing what to say in that moment can feel overwhelming. You don't need to have all the answers - your most powerful role is simply being a supportive listener.

Here are 4 impactful ways to respond:

1️⃣ Believe Them: Start with trust. Say: "I believe you, and thank you for trusting me with this."

2️⃣ Remove Blame: Remind them that what happened is not their fault. Say: "You did nothing wrong."

3️⃣ Support Their Autonomy: Avoid telling them what they "should" do next. Ask: "How can I best support you right now?"

4️⃣ Connect Them to Resources: Offer to help them find professional support when they are ready.

As community members, we all play a role in creating a culture of support, empathy, and safety in Roanoke. Save this post for when someone in your life needs a steady ear.

📞 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: 540-981-9352

Address

3034 Brambleton Avenue SW
Roanoke, VA
24015

Telephone

+15403457273

Website

http://www.sararoanoke.org/

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