Our Story Starts Here

The mission of the Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County is to have available free advocacy services for victims of sexual violence, along with their families and friends.

Through support, education, and community awareness, we are committed to preventing sexual violence and fostering a safer, more informed community throughout northern St. Louis County.

Since 1984, we have proudly served the Iron Range and surrounding communities with compassionate, survivor-centered advocacy. Our goal is to ensure that every victim/survivor has access to high-quality support and resources.

Our 54,000-square-mile service area spans from Virginia to Ely, south to Cotton, west to Nashwauk, east to Hoyt Lakes, and includes many rural communities in between.

We are dedicated to creating a safe, stabilizing environment where survivors and their loved ones can begin their path toward healing, empowerment, and hope.

Our History:

• 1970s: The Women’s Movement helped spark the Anti-Sexual Assault Movement across the United States. Communities organized, survivors spoke out, and the first rape crisis centers were established.

• 1980: Minnesota’s first anti-sexual violence program was launched in Duluth, serving victim/survivors throughout St. Louis County.

• 1984: The governing board voted to separate into two independent nonprofit organizations-one serving northern St. Louis County and one serving the Duluth metropolitan area. This marked the beginning of the Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County as it exists today.

• 2013: The Program relocated to the Virginia City Hall building, made possible through the support and dedication of many community partners and advocates.