Services Empowering the Rights of Victims (SERV)

SERV is the New Jersey State Designated Sexual Trauma Services provider for Camden and Gloucester counties. SERV provides assistance to victims/survivors of sexual violence age 12 and older. Survivors are female or male, young or old, recent or past victims of sexual violence.

NJ State Certified Rape Care Advocates can be reached through the

24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-866-295-SERV (7378)

What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is defined as any time an individual is forced, threatened, coerced, and/or manipulated into unwanted sexual activity. Sexual violence is motivated by the need to control, dominate, humiliate, and harm another individual. It violates a persons feeling of trust and safety and impacts individuals, families and communities.

Sexual Violence can include:

• Exhibitionism
• unwanted touching
• Internet stalking to obtain sex
• Child sexual abuse
• Sexual assault
• Drug-facilitated sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Criminal sexual contact

What to do if you have been sexually assaulted 

• Go to a safe place

• Do not shower, eat, drink, smoke or comb your hair
• Place your clothes in a paper bag
• Seek medical attention

Advocacy & Counseling Services

Victim Advocates are available 24-hours a day to support victims of sexual and domestic violence through medical and legal proceedings.  Our advocates will meet with you at the hospital, police station or law enforcement agency and during the court process to help you through these difficult times. 

Counselors will be available to you and your family at your convenience – in our offices, in schools, or at various locations through the community.  Short term counseling is available for victims/survivors of sexual and domestic violence. Adult & Teen Support groups are available for survivors of sexual violence in Camden and Gloucester County. Support groups available for Adult Women and Children victims of domestic violence in Gloucester County.

SERV provides the following programs and services:

Sexual Assault Crisis Center

Domestic violence services

Safe House

Trauma Recovery

SERV protects the rights of survivors to ensure they are treated with compassion and dignity. Support is offered for those close to the survivor through education, guidance and counseling.

NJ State Certified Rape Care Advocates can be reached through the

24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-866-295-SERV (7378)

SERV is a member of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART). For more information about SERV, contact (856) 964-1990.

All services are provided free of charge, strictly confidential, culturally sensitive and bilingual.

How To Protect Yourself

• Avoid isolated places
• Leave lights on
• Vary your daily routine
• Leave a breadcrumb trail: let someone know where you’re going or where you’re going to be and whom you will be with.
• Pay attention to people’s attitudes

• Avoid alcohol
• If you do drink, never leave your drink unattended or accept a drink from someone you don’t know/trust.
• Make your limits clearPay attention to your surroundings.
• Arrange your own transportation to places
• Most importantly, trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from that situation.

Click here for information on SERV seminars and training workshops.