Walking with Survivors Every Step of the Healing Journey Since 1974.

The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that no survivor walks alone. We provide free, confidential, trauma‑informed support to individuals, families, and communities impacted by sexual violence and child abuse. Rooted in dignity, choice, and belief in every survivor, we walk alongside those we serve as they move from crisis toward healing—at their own pace, in their own way.

Founded in 1974 by the Athens Feminists in response to a serial rapist, The Cottage emerged from community members who refused to stay silent and chose to take action. We were Georgia’s first anti‑sexual assault organization and a founding member of the Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault. Today, we proudly serve Athens‑Clarke County and act as the official community partner for survivor support at both the University of Georgia and the University of North Georgia Oconee Campus, providing free, confidential advocacy and care for student survivors on each campus. We also serve as a routing point for a national hotline, supporting survivors in our community and beyond whenever they reach out.

All Cottage services are free, confidential, and available 24/7 by calling our crisis hotline at 706‑353‑1912. For adults (18+), we support anyone who has experienced sexual violence at any point in their life. Services include 24/7 medical and legal advocacy, crisis counseling, trauma‑focused counseling referrals, support groups, and care for secondary survivors—family members, friends, partners, and loved ones walking beside them.

For children and youth (17 and under), The Cottage provides trauma‑informed services for those affected by physical abuse, sexual abuse, witnessing domestic violence, or witnessing a homicide. Our child‑focused services include 24/7 family and child advocacy, forensic interviews that support the investigative process, medical advocacy, trauma‑focused cognitive behavioral therapy, counseling, support groups, and guidance for non‑offending caregivers, siblings, and extended family members.

Beyond direct services, The Cottage is deeply invested in building a safer, more informed community. Our staff regularly offers presentations and trainings on sexual violence, child abuse prevention, protecting children, media safety, and how to support survivors with compassion and accountability. Learn more about our work and resources at www.TheCottageGA.org.

Guided by our values of respect, integrity, empowerment, collaboration, and community engagement, The Cottage shows up every day as a trusted, capable, and survivor‑centered resource. Our dedicated staff, board members, and volunteers listen, believe, and advocate—ensuring survivors feel safe, supported, and in control of their healing journey. The generosity of our donors and supporters makes it possible for all of our services to remain free of charge.

Thank you for standing with survivors and helping The Cottage continue this vital work.

Athens's Got Talent 2026