Our Founding

Verity was founded in 1974 with a groundbreaking vision to provide comprehensive, wraparound services to people who had experienced sexual assault and to strive for its eradication through education and awareness-building.

Learn more about the history of the anti-rape and sexual assault movement and the evolution of rape crisis centers like Verity →

Two Verity volunteers smile for the camera

Verity focuses on three key strategies: prevention, intervention, and healing.

We tailor our support to the unique needs of each survivor to meet them where they are in their healing journey–from immediate response after an assault throughout their life as needed. In Sonoma County, Verity collaborates with organizations and agencies to foster as comprehensive a response as possible, and we were involved in the co-founding of multi-agency institutions like the Family Justice Center and the Human Trafficking Task Force.

Overseen by a board of community volunteers, and staffed by a team of experts in a diverse array of fields, Verity continues its commitment to education, prevention, counseling, and crisis intervention, embodying a history of service and an unwavering dedication to combating sexual violence in Sonoma County.

Verity’s History: A Timeline of Impact

  • 1974

    The Sonoma County Rape Crisis Center was founded by volunteers from Sonoma State University to support rape survivors in Sonoma County.

  • 1976

    The Sonoma County Rape Crisis Center became Sonoma County Women Against Rape.

  • 1980

    The first Child Abuse Prevention Program (CAPP) was introduced, empowering children to protect themselves.

  • 1985

    WAR expanded with the Teen Abuse Prevention Program (TAPP), focusing on educating teens about abuse.

  • 2000

    WAR became United Against Sexual Assault (UASA), broadening its mission to serve men, women, children, and adolescents affected by sexual violence.

  • 2003

    UASA helped create Sonoma County’s first Sexual Assault Response Team (SART).

  • 2010

    The organization rebranded as Verity, reflecting a broader mission.

  • 2011

    Verity was one of the founding organizations of the Sonoma County Family Justice Center, a “one stop shop” for victims of violence in Sonoma County.

  • 2012

    Verity expanded outreach to West Sonoma County with additional support services.

  • 2013

    Verity introduced support groups for women veterans and alternative healing classes for survivors.

  • 2017

    Verity received a grant to support incarcerated and detained survivors and provided holistic care for firestorm survivors.

  • 2019

    Verity celebrated its 45th anniversary and launched a new website.

  • 2024

    Verity rebranded with a fresh look, updates to mission and vision statements, and celebrated 50 years of service to survivors.