Survivors of sexual assault and rape have fewer resources as a result of the state's budget impasse. Across Illinois, service providers are having to stop or limit counseling, legal advice and other ways of helping victims.
The Prairie Center Against Sexual Abuse serves 11 counties in central Illinois ... and every year it helps over 500 people ... men, women, children and the elderly:
"Sexual assault has no age range, it affects everyone."
That's Shelley Vaughan who heads the center based in Springfield.
Since summer, she's had to lay off four of the eight employees she started with. The center no longer has an outreach program for rural areas.
Most years, 35% of its operating budget comes from the state. This year, obviously, it's gone without that chunk of money.
Vaughan says having to close has crossed her mind:
"We have had to think about that - it's not a thought you want to have to deal with, but it could be the reality."
There are 28 other rape crisis centers in Illinois - all dealing with similar budget woes.
