I would like to thank the Sun Journal for the article it published on the 25th anniversary of the Sexual Assault Crisis Center. It certainly helps us in our goal of making sure the community knows who we are and what services are available to people affected by sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking or sexual harassment.

There is one point I would like to clarify, however. In “Patty’s story,” a staff person, Sarah Wood, is referred to as a therapist. None of the staff at the Sexual Assault Crisis Center are therapists, and we do not promote ourselves as such. We are advocates with specialized training and expertise about all forms of sexual assault. We can help people by listening, offering compassionate support, sharing information, and helping people understand their options and what impact those choices might have on their lives.

Many people affected by sexual violence benefit from seeing a therapist to help them work through the impact of the assault. When that need is expressed or identified, we can help survivors with referrals to licensed therapists or other services. Then we continue to offer them support throughout that process.

Although the Sun Journal printed the statewide hotline number, it may be useful for people to know that they can also access our hotline 24 hours a day by calling 795-2211. To obtain information about other services, people can call our office weekdays, 8 a.m.to 4 p.m., at 784-5272.

Whatever the hour, we are here to help.

Marty McIntyre, Auburn

Executive Director, SACC