Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center

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Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center was built on the courage of survivors, staff, volunteers and donors, and has been serving the community as a non-profit center against sexual assault and abuse since 1983. Now operating from two sites in Gurnee and Skokie, ZCenter seeks to provide a place where survivors of sexual violence can heal, and mobilize the community toward action to end sexual violence.

ZCenter Services

Counseling

ZCenter offers free, confidential services to survivors of sexual violence of all ages and their non-offending loved ones with supportive listening, advocacy, and information and referral services. Individual, family and support group sessions are available in English and Spanish.

Medical Advocacy

ZCenter’s trained advocates provide support to the survivor and their family throughout the medical process. Our medical advocates can be present during a survivor’s medical examination 24/7 at any hospital or police department in Lake County to provide information and support and assist survivors in understanding their options.

Support Line Advocacy

ZCenter provides emotional support, information, and community resources to survivors, significant others, and community professionals through a 24-hour Support Line: 847-872-7799.

Court Advocacy

ZCenter provides support to the survivor throughout the criminal justice process. Court advocates explain the basic legal system and accompany and assist the survivor in reporting to law enforcement, attending court proceedings, and filing for crime victim’s compensation. We are available to follow the court proceedings of clients and assist them in receiving fair and respectful treatment.

Professional Training and Community Awareness                                       

 ZCenter offers trainings to first responders, medical staff, faith-based leaders, court personnel and others who work with survivors of sexual abuse, as well as clubs, corporations and groups to educate about the reality of sexual violence and how to become part of the solution.

School Based Programs                                                                                                

We offer age-appropriate educational and empowering prevention programs for student’s   pre-K through college, and trainings and presentations for administrators, teachers, social workers, counselors, psychologists and parents to create an understanding around child sexual abuse, handling disclosures and best practices of implementing prevention efforts. ZCenter also offers the ZCenter Prevention Network (ZPN), a networking membership that includes access to prevention resources, meetings, and community forums.