Our Mission

The Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center is committed to providing support and services

to survivors of sexual assault and their families, and

to providing community education to achieve awareness and prevention of sexual assault.

We are located at: 

1845 Chicago Avenue, Suite A

Riverside, CA 92507

951 686-7273 

866 686-7273 for Southwest County callers

Our Philosophy

The Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center (RARCC) is based on the belief that each individual has a right to control her or his own body and life and to live free from violence and fear.  Each individual has the right to feel safe, strong and free.

The organization supports the survivor's autonomy in decisions and assists in exploring choices while working through the trauma.

The organization believes that through education, the community can become more sensitive, aware, supportive and accepting of the individual's right to be safe and in control of her or his life.

The organization is committed to eliminating exploitations in human relationships, reducing the stigma of victims, and emphasizing the value of each human life.

Our History

 In 1973, the Rape Hotline was established as part of the Women's Center at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).

In 1978, UCR eliminated funding for the Rape Hotline.

A dedicated group of volunteers formed a Board of Directors for the Riverside Women Against Rape, with Jean Mansfield named the first Board President.  The organization was housed at RAFE Credit Union and a director hired.

In 1979, then housed on 14th Street, the Agency was incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization under the name of

The Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center, RARCC.

In 1982, the RARCC moved to the Bobby Bonds Center, now called the Caesar Chavez Community Center.  followed by a move to Spruce Street in 1994. 

In May, 2008 the Agency was able to purchase its present location at 1845 Chicago Ave., Suite A. 

From its founding the Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center has continued to increase its staff and corresponding programs to better serve and meets the needs of our clients and the  communities we serve in Western Riverside County.