In 1978 a grass-roots effort was launched in Owensboro, Ky., to provide advocacy for rape victims in the Daviess County area. Citizens Against Rape manned a crisis line, staffed by volunteers and supported by simple fund-raising campaigns.
With a name change to Rape Victim Services in 1982, the organization was approved for funding from the City of Owensboro by the Owensboro City Commission, and became an autonomous program affiliated with the Spouse Abuse Shelter. In 1985, Rape Victim Services received funding from United Way and Daviess County Fiscal Court in addition to funds being provided by the City of Owensboro.
In 1988, after state and federal governments began providing funds for the organization, Rape Victim Services was able to become an independent agency. From there, Rape Victim Services started to flourish. The organization was able to hire paid staff and extend services with offices in Henderson and Ohio Counties.
In 2000, Rape Victim Services changed its business name to New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services. Today, New Beginnings serves a seven-county region, has a staff of eight and continues to grow, providing much-needed free services to survivors of sexual abuse.