For media inquiries, interviews or information about SPARCC, please contact SPARCC Communications Manager at Communications@sparcc.net or 941-365-0208, ext. 124.
Sarasota Magazine
July, 2026 – Sarasota
SPARCC has been a leading voice in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Sarasota and DeSoto counties for almost 50 years. Through its 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal services, prevention education, and community outreach, SPARCC provides critical services that help survivors and their children find safety, healing, and hope.
Sarasota Scene
By Reno Gomez | April 2026
Since 1987, the SPARCC Treasure Chest has been Sarasota’s go-to destination for high-end clothing, jewelry, furniture, home accessories, collectibles, and more—offering remarkable luxury finds at unbeatable prices.
Sarasota Scene
January, 2026 – Sarasota
For over 46 years, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) has been a beacon of hope in the Sarasota community, aiding in the fight for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This vital nonprofit organization is committed to the goal of a violence-free future, working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence before it starts through community awareness and preventative education.
Sarasota Magazine.
June 26, 2024 – Sarasota | By Sarasota Magazine’s Content Studio
For 45 years, SPARCC has operated as a women-led organization dedicated to serving the community. It supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence through comprehensive services and an unwavering commitment to their journey of well-being.
Sarasota Scene
April 2, 2024 – Sarasota | BY JULIE MILTON
Jessica Hays is known around our town as an inspirational leader and a champion for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
As President and CEO of Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), she has successfully led the only state certified center that provides vital services to victims in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
Sarasota Scene
January, 2024 – Sarasota
In the late 1970s, a small group of women banded together to support a friend whose daughter was sexually assaulted on a Sarasota beach. Soon after, the need for services turned their effort into a non-profit to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Sarasota Scene
May 2, 2023 – Sarasota
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) celebrated the women and men who have invested in its future by joining the SPARCC Legacy Society. The celebration reception, and the dedication of the Legacy Society Tribute Wall took place on April 27, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 PM at SPARCC’s Main Outreach Office.
SNN Newsroom
Sep 1, 2022
SPARCC in Sarasota County wants survivors in need they are not alone.
The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center wants to ensure that anyone who needs help can find it here, no questions asked.
Sarasota Magazine
By Cooper Levey-Baker August 29, 2018
Published in the September 2018 issue of Sarasota Magazine
One evening last fall, at around 9 p.m., Cristina pulled up in front of the Sarasota house she had once shared with her husband, Derek, and sat behind the wheel, staring at the front door. For the past few days, she had been living in a shelter run by Sarasota’s Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, known as SPARCC.
Sarasota Magazine
By Cooper Levey-Baker August 29, 2018
Published in the September 2018 issue of Sarasota Magazine
One evening last fall, at around 9 p.m., Cristina pulled up in front of the Sarasota house she had once shared with her husband, Derek, and sat behind the wheel, staring at the front door. For the past few days, she had been living in a shelter run by Sarasota’s Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center, known as SPARCC.
Sarasota Scene
January, 2024 – Sarasota
In the late 1970s, a small group of women banded together to support a friend whose daughter was sexually assaulted on a Sarasota beach. Soon after, the need for services turned their effort into a non-profit to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Sarasota Magazine.
June 26, 2024 – Sarasota | By Sarasota Magazine’s Content Studio
For 45 years, SPARCC has operated as a women-led organization dedicated to serving the community. It supports survivors of domestic and sexual violence through comprehensive services and an unwavering commitment to their journey of well-being.
Sarasota Scene
April 2, 2024 – Sarasota | BY JULIE MILTON
Jessica Hays is known around our town as an inspirational leader and a champion for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
As President and CEO of Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), she has successfully led the only state certified center that provides vital services to victims in Sarasota and DeSoto counties.
Sarasota Scene
January, 2026 – Sarasota
For over 46 years, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) has been a beacon of hope in the Sarasota community, aiding in the fight for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. This vital nonprofit organization is committed to the goal of a violence-free future, working tirelessly to break the cycle of violence before it starts through community awareness and preventative education.
Sarasota Scene
May 2, 2023 – Sarasota
Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC) celebrated the women and men who have invested in its future by joining the SPARCC Legacy Society. The celebration reception, and the dedication of the Legacy Society Tribute Wall took place on April 27, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 PM at SPARCC’s Main Outreach Office.
SNN Newsroom
Sep 1, 2022
SPARCC in Sarasota County wants survivors in need they are not alone.
The Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center wants to ensure that anyone who needs help can find it here, no questions asked.
Sarasota Scene
By Reno Gomez | April 2026
Since 1987, the SPARCC Treasure Chest has been Sarasota’s go-to destination for high-end clothing, jewelry, furniture, home accessories, collectibles, and more—offering remarkable luxury finds at unbeatable prices.
Sarasota Magazine
July, 2026 – Sarasota
SPARCC has been a leading voice in supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Sarasota and DeSoto counties for almost 50 years. Through its 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal services, prevention education, and community outreach, SPARCC provides critical services that help survivors and their children find safety, healing, and hope.
At this time, the Hospital Advocacy Team is the only advocacy volunteer opportunity available. On-call volunteers respond to night and weekend requests from hospitals in Sarasota, Venice, Englewood, and Northport, meeting with sexual and domestic violence survivors to provide information, support, and resources regarding SPARCC services.
