About Us

Rape Trauma Services (RTS) was founded in 1995 to address the unmet need in San Mateo County for comprehensive services for survivors of sexual violence and other forms of abuse.

Prior to 1995, rape counseling was a one-person program of the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Center of San Mateo County. Today, RTS is the only organization in San Mateo County providing comprehensive sexual assault services for survivors and their loved ones while working in the community to prevent sexual assault, end cycles of violence, and educate residents and providers about sexual violence and other kinds of abuse.

Our Mission

The mission of RTS is to eliminate all forms of violence, with a special focus on sexual assault and abuse.  Informed by our understanding of traumatic experiences and cycles of violence, we facilitate healing and the prevention of violence through the provision of counseling, advocacy, and education.  We promote and adopt policies, practices, and social values rooted in fairness, equity, and inclusiveness. RTS has improved the health and quality of life for 200,000 survivors of sexual assault/abuse and their loved ones for over 28 years. We make our services accessible to all residents by minimizing economic and cultural barriers to participation. Services are free and delivered with linguistic and cultural competence.