At The Cottage, we believe survivors deserve information, choices, and compassionate support without pressure or judgment. Whether something happened to you or someone you love, whether it happend recently or long ago, you are not alone. We are here to walk with you, connect you to resources, and help you decide what healing looks like for you.
Sexual assault is any sexual contact or behavior that happens without consent. It can occur between strangers, partners, spouses, family members, or acquaintances. It may include rape, child sexual abuse, sexual coercion, sexual exploitation, and trafficking. Sexual assault can happen in any relationship, and it is never your fault.
Some people use the word victim; others prefer survivor. At The Cottage, we use survivor to honor the strength and resilience of those who have experienced sexual violence. We believe in your right to choose the language that feels appropriate for you.
A Sexual Assault Center is a place where adults impacted by sexual violence can receive free, confidential, and survivor-focused support.
The Cottage is not a shelter; we specialize in walking with people through the healing process by offering advocacy, counseling referrals, medical and legal accompaniment, support groups, and connections to community resources.
If you are not sure whether we are the right fit for your needs, call our 24/7 crisis and information hotline. We can help you evaluate your needs and connect you to local, trusted partner organizations with a warm handoff.
The Cottage serves all individuals impacted by sexual violence, including:
Adults abused as children
Adult survivors of sexual assault
Adult survivors of sex trafficking
Secondary survivors (friends, family, partners)
Anyone 18+ living in or assaulted in Clarke County, Georgia
We welcome all people regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, citizenship, language, or background.
1 in 4 women and at least 1 in 6 men experience unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood, and about 10% of sexual assaults in the U.S. are against men. The Cottage is committed to providing supportive, stigma-free care to all gender identities.
LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of sexual violence and face greater barriers to services. We provide affirming, accessible advocacy and referrals to reduce those barriers and ensure every survivor feels safe and believed.
Source: The Trevor Project
Sexual violence affects entire support systems. We offer information, referrals, and guidance to those supporting someone they care about.
Advocacy means walking beside you, not speaking for you. Our advocates help you understand your options, access resources, and regain a sense of control.
Call: 1-877-363-1912
Our hotline is available 24/7, 365 days a year. You do not have to be in an immediate crisis to call us. The hotline is free, confidential, and usually the first point of contact for anyone seeking support, information, or guidance. Language translation services are also available to eliminate any barriers.
Crisis looks different for everyone; it may happen immediately after an assault or years later when something brings up painful memories. The Cottage offers a safe, confidential space to talk with a trained advocate by phone or in person. We provide emotional support, help you process what you’re feeling, and explore options at your own pace.
Adults have the option of receiving a forensic medical exam (FME) to collect evidence within 5 days or 120 hours of a sexual assault. The Cottage partners with SANE, Inc./Anchor Point in providing this service for free. The exam includes options for STI preventative medication and emergency contraceptives. The Cottage advocates can accompany and provide emotional support through the exam process and/or during follow-up medical appointments. Medical advocacy is an option for survivors regardless of whether they choose to report to law enforcement or not. For more information or to arrange an accompaniment, please call our 24/7 hotline at 1-877-363-1912.
If you choose to report a sexual assault, an advocate from The Cottage can accompany you through the law enforcement process and provide emotional support every step of the way. If your case moves forward, advocates can also attend court meetings and proceedings with the District Attorney’s Office with you. You are always in control of your decisions, and advocacy is available regardless of whether you pursue legal action.
For more information or to arrange an accompaniment, please call our 24/7 hotline at 1-877-363-1912.
The Cottage connects survivors with licensed, trauma-informed counselors in the community and can help reduce or cover the cost of therapy when finances or insurance are barriers. We also offer short-term, trauma-focused therapy sessions when immediate support is needed. Our goal is to make sure cost never stands in the way of healing.
Sexual violence can affect housing, safety, finances, and daily stability. We provide personalized referrals to community resources such as food, housing, medical care, and other essential services. These referrals are tailored to your needs and designed to support your overall well-being.
Our support groups offer a space to connect with others who understand your experiences in a safe, facilitated environment. Groups rotate throughout the year and include Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Adult Survivors of Sexual Assault, Men Survivors, and LGBTQ+ Survivors. Each group includes an intake process and follows a set schedule to create a consistent, supportive space. New members are unable to join after the first group meeting but can contact their advocate to learn when the next group schedule will begin.
To join a group, please reach out to your advocate or contact us.
Safety Exit
Online activity can be monitored and cannot be completely erased. If you’re concerned about your digital safety, call our 24/7 crisis & information hotline. Remember to clear your browser history after visiting this site.
To exit this site quickly, click the yellow “X” in the upper-right corner.
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
