About SARC
“We work to end domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking; to aid its victims and to create a society free from abuse and fear.”
SARC was established in 1978 after a year-long, grassroots effort by Harford Countians reacting to a lack of services and support for victims of sexual violence. Their focus very quickly included victims of domestic violence whose presence in Harford County was consistent with the national numbers at that time. The Commission for Women was instrumental in arranging funding for the new Center. In the Spring of 1978 funds from a Federal grant, a State grant, and the County made it possible to open the Center in the Community Services Building in Aberdeen, MD. The existing hotline service was merged with the rape crisis-battered spouse hotline and was covered by trained volunteers.
During the next decade, SARC moved twice and is now located in Bel Air. The agency has grown to include a domestic violence program serving victims, batterers, and children; a sexual violence program serving adult and child victims; a legal advocacy program serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault; a 28-bed emergency shelter; community outreach and education services; a 24-hour helpline; and an administrative staff.
Philosophy
SARC, Inc. has a philosophy that is grounded in the conviction that the abuse of power and control is destructive to the relationships in our society and not limited to the abuse of power and control between individuals which results in domestic violence and sexual assault abuse. These personal tragedies are symptoms of cultural attitudes, beliefs, and values learned and used on both personal and institutional levels.
Vision Statement
We are Harford County’s lifeline to victims, potential victims, and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking. Working within the community, we are the catalyst for the eradication and prevention of violence. We stop the pattern of violence by providing:
- A safe haven which offers hope, empowerment, opportunities and tools, for new beginnings
- Comprehensive training to professionals, community education, and prevention initiatives to recognize and reject abusive attitudes and actions,
- Additional access to resources through partnership and collaboration with allied community organizations, and
- Leadership and expertise by developing and implementing solutions to issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.
We do this in a confidential environment of trust, respect, and mutual accountability without regard to race, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, or economic circumstances.