The Steele County Crisis Resource Center (SCCRC) is a safe outlet for many families in the Steele County area since 1990. The SCCRC is a non-profit organization that provides support and services to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse. All of the services provided by the Crisis Resource Center are free and completely confidential.

In the last year, the SCCRC has touched more than 1,000 people in the Steele County area. This year alone, 440 domestic assault victims have come to the SCCRC in hope of finding help. These include 140 minors and many under the age of 12. The sexual assault program has had 79 new clients this year.

Michelene Agerter is the domestic violence program leader at SCCRC. Her role is to assess the problem and tell them what their options are. Agerter helps victims follow through with their plan of actions.  Agerter said, “We are there to show support. If someone shows up with bruises, we tell they have choices, like if they want to go to the police and file a report or go to the emergency room and have an exam done. Our main goal is to keep them safe and that may be finding them a shelter to go to or a safe house. We are there to work with them and guide them through the process.” Agerter constantly works with the Owatonna Police Department, social services and the hospital.

Laci Brune is the sexual assault program leader at SCCRC. She works with victims of sexual assault who have reached out for help. Bruner Said, “When people call in, they are in crisis mode, and they are looking for help in any form. We give them references and options of what they can do next. Whether it be going to the emergency room, calling the police department and filing a report or if they need any support.” The role of the sexual assault program leader is to  reach out to victims of sexual assault and guide them through the process of the court systems and give them references of who to call.