Since 1974, we have learned more about the pervasive scope of this abuse. Every 68 seconds, on average, someone in America is sexually assaulted, and every nine minutes, that victim is a child. Yet only 25 out of 1,000 perpetrators face prison.
In Sonoma County, Verity remains on the front lines. In the past year, Verity has served 1,318 clients, answered 1,366 crisis calls and provided 822 therapy sessions. This vital work is as urgently needed today as it was 50 years ago.
Originally known as Woman Against Rape, Verity evolved over time. By 2000, it had transformed into United Against Sexual Assault. In 2010, UASA became Verity, a name chosen because of its meaning: truth. This rebranding was, and still is, a nod to Verity’s unique position in Sonoma County as the sole organization offering survivors of sexual violence a safe and confidential space to share their truth. The name change heralded a fresh chapter in our mission to provide supportive services.
Verity was founded amid the tumultuous rise of the rape crisis movement, an era when activists bravely shattered the silence surrounding sexual violence. For 50 years, Verity has stood as a relentless advocate for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, but our work is far from over. The fight for justice and support for survivors is not just about high-profile cases or landmark victories; it is about everyday advocacy that often goes unnoticed but is crucial for real change.
When Verity was established, it was a radical act of defiance against a society that preferred to sweep under the rug all things uncomfortable, including the brutal realities of sexual violence and the culture of rape that still exists today. The rape crisis movement of the 1970s, ignited by activists and members of the counterculture, was a direct challenge to the pervasive culture of silence and victim-blaming. Verity’s founders were among the brave few who dared to confront these issues head-on, providing a lifeline to survivors in a culture that otherwise said, “Be quiet.”
Fifty years later, Verity has expanded to offer comprehensive, survivor-centered and trauma-informed advocacy services, including prevention, intervention and healing.
Through comprehensive educational programs in schools and communities, Verity is dedicated to raising awareness and reducing the occurrence of sexual violence. The intervention team supports survivors through every step of their healing and justice journey — in the way that is right for them, no matter when or where they experienced assault. Our healing services include trauma counseling, support groups and therapeutic activities designed to uplift survivors, such as yoga and community focused events.
At Verity, advocacy is a daily act: answering late-night calls from survivors, offering safe spaces and providing comprehensive support. Our work includes late-night hospital visits and providing holistic, trauma-informed support, often in the face of systemic injustices. Despite 50 years of progress, survivors still encounter disbelief and additional trauma on their journey to healing. Advocacy means more than offering services — it’s about building a supportive culture and dismantling harmful systems. Each survivor’s voice and every policy change move us closer to a society where we can all feel safe. At Verity, we are committed to this future.
Advocacy is at the core of all Verity does — ensuring survivors are heard and supported with resources and services as they navigate their recovery. All of Verity’s services are provided free of charge. Per California law, all survivors of sexual violence are entitled to an advocate who can help them through their journey.
As Verity celebrates its 50th anniversary, there are many achievements to be proud of: our volunteers, our team and every survivor whose healing journey we took part in. However, we recognize that our work is not done. The fight against sexual violence is ongoing, and everyday advocacy remains critical. We owe it to all survivors to persist in our efforts for change and support — in Sonoma County and beyond.
Join us in celebrating Verity’s Golden Jubilee on Nov. 2 at the Backdrop in Santa Rosa. Let’s honor 50 years of unwavering advocacy and healing. We look forward to seeing you there, united in our mission to create a safer future.
Written by Desiree McGunagle, communications manager at Verity.
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