Verity celebrates 50 years of fighting sexual violence in Sonoma County – Close to Home

In 1974, a telephone number was established where victims of sexual violence could receive a listening ear, support, and recommendations for their next steps tailored to their needs. This was the first step in Verity's now storied history of comprehensive advocacy in Sonoma County.

And the phone number? It was Verity's crisis and support hotline – 707-545-7273. To this day, people who have experienced sexual assault can call that number to receive the same compassion and support.

Since 1974, we have learned more about the extent of this abuse. On average, someone is sexually abused in America every 68 seconds, and every nine minutes the victim is a child. Yet only 25 out of 1,000 perpetrators face a prison sentence.

In Sonoma County, Verity continues to be on the front lines. Last year, Verity served 1,318 clients, responded to 1,366 crisis calls, and conducted 822 therapy sessions. This important work is as needed today as it was 50 years ago.

Originally known as Woman Against Rape, Verity evolved over time. In 2000, it became United Against Sexual Assault. In 2010, UASA became Verity, a name chosen because of its meaning: truth. This renaming was and is a nod to Verity's unique position in Sonoma County as the only organization that provides a safe and confidential space for survivors of sexual violence to share their truth. The name change ushered in a new chapter in our mission to provide supportive services.

Verity was founded amid the tumultuous rise of the Rape Crisis Movement, an era in which activists bravely broke the silence around sexual violence. For 50 years, Verity has tirelessly advocated for victims of sexual violence 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 groundbreaking victories; it's about everyday commitment that often goes unnoticed but is critical to real change.

When Verity was founded, it was a radical act of resistance against a society that preferred to sweep anything unpleasant under the rug, including the brutal reality of sexual violence and the rape culture that still exists today. The Rape Crisis movement of the 1970s, started by activists and members of the counterculture, was a direct challenge to the widespread culture of silence and victim blaming. Verity's founders were among the brave few who dared to tackle these issues head-on, offering survivors a lifeline in a culture that otherwise said “shut up.”

Fifty years later, Verity has expanded its offerings to provide comprehensive, survivor-centered and trauma-informed advocacy services that include prevention, intervention and healing.

Through comprehensive educational programs in schools and communities, Verity is committed to raising awareness of sexual violence and reducing the number of cases. The intervention team supports survivors every step of their journey to healing and justice – in the way that is right for them, regardless of when and where they were assaulted. Our healing services include trauma counseling, support groups, and therapeutic activities to empower survivors, such as yoga and community-focused events.

At Verity, advocacy is an everyday activity: we answer late-night calls from survivors, provide safe spaces and wraparound support. Our work includes nightly 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 is about more than just providing services—it's about building a supportive culture and dismantling harmful systems. Every survivor's voice and every policy change brings us closer to a society where we can all feel safe. At Verity, we are committed to that future.

Advocacy is at the core of everything Verity does – we ensure survivors are heard and supported with resources and services during their recovery. All Verity services are free. Under California law, all survivors of sexual violence are entitled to an advocate to support them on their journey.

As we celebrate Verity's 50th anniversary, there are many accomplishments we can be proud of: our volunteers, our team, and every survivor we've helped heal. But we recognize our work isn't done. The fight against sexual violence continues, and daily advocacy remains critical. We owe it to all survivors to continue in our efforts to create change and support – in Sonoma County and beyond.

Join us on November 2nd to celebrate Verity's Golden Anniversary at the Backdrop in Santa Rosa. Let's honor 50 years of tireless service and healing. We look forward to seeing you there, united in our mission to create a safer future.

Desiree McGunagle is Communications Manager at Verity.

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