Ann Arbor and surrounding communities have long been lacking in adequate resources to swiftly and effectively respond to those who have suffered from trauma, be it of the acute type, (rape, physical assault) or the more chronic type (childhood physical, emotional or sexual abuse, domestic violence, or those of our returning combat veterans). The shame and humiliation that often results from a trauma experience keeps far too many survivors from reaching out for needed help and treatment. Without intervention, they too often live lives of unnecessary pain and debilitation.