Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center: A Place for Healing in Vernon Township

Sexual violence is a pervasive public health issue that leaves lasting psychological and emotional scars. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. In Illinois, one in three girls and one in six boys will experience sexual abuse before turning 18 years of age.

Survivors are significantly more likely to experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation. These effects are magnified when survivors lack access to timely, trauma-informed care. They often face these challenges in silence, especially when stigma, language barriers, or financial instability prevent them from seeking support. Zacharias Center (Zcenter) exists to break this silence and offer expert care, compassion and community.

For more than 40 years, ZCenter has helped survivors rebuild their lives and worked to prevent future harm through education and outreach. The organization’s work aims to mobilize the community toward ending systemic sexual violence, while amplifying the voices of survivors through trauma-informed care, advocacy and prevention education.

ZCenter’s Counseling, Advocacy, and Prevention Education (CAPE) programs provide a continuum of services, including individual, group and family therapy, medical and legal advocacy, and prevention education in schools and the community

Counseling services are tailored to each client’s needs, and ZCenter’s licensed clinicians incorporate expressive therapies such as play, art, movement, and mindfulness to help clients – especially children – process trauma in age-appropriate ways. Services are survivor-centered and culturally relevant, and designed to support clients of all backgrounds and lived experiences. ZCenter offers peer-led support groups, teen activity nights, along with creative healing spaces and art workshops.

Advocates respond 24/7 to Lake County hospitals that are treated sexual abuse survivors, and offer emotional support during forensic medical exams. They ensure these individuals understand their rights, help navigate hospital billing, and follow up to connect clients to ongoing services. ZCenter advocates also support clients during judicial proceedings, whether attending court alongside them – or providing consultation remotely. Survivors can also access advocacy and crisis support via the confidential text and web chat system, called “Izzy.”

Prevention education specialists deliver Erin’s Law-approved, age-appropriate workshops in schools from Pre-K through college. These culturally responsive programs are grounded in research and equip students with the knowledge and confidence to understand consent, personal boundaries, and how to seek help. They also lead professional development and training sessions for educators, school staff, youth workers, healthcare professionals, and law enforcement. These trainings foster survivor-centered, trauma-informed responses and build safer environments for children and teens across the region.

While ZCenter envisions a future without sexual violence, its services remain a vital resource in the face of ongoing harm. Until that vision becomes reality, ZCenter will continue to serve all survivors, regardless of age, gender identity, race, immigration status, insurance or ability.

To learn more about ZCenter or to get involved, please visitzcenter.org.