State cuts will hurt rape crisis centers

Recently, Gov. Blagojevich proposed cuts to state funds that go directly to services provided by local rape crisis centers. If approved, the cuts will effectively close the door to survivors, their families and friends who seek help as well as eliminate valuable child abuse prevention education programs.

During the last fiscal year alone, Rape Crisis Services, which serves the communities of Champaign, Ford, Piatt and Douglas counties, provided 645 hours of free counseling to child and adult victims of sexual assault and abuse, as well as to their families and friends. Center staff spent nearly 100 hours assisting 33 victims at local hospitals. The local 24-hour hot line fielded 161 crisis counseling calls.