BRAVE Bay Area, Nation’s First Rape Crisis Center, to Shut Down After 54 Years

Once a cornerstone of survivor support in Alameda County, BRAVE Bay Area struggled with dwindling resources, staffing shortages and federal funding cuts before deciding to shut down. (Ryan McFadden/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images).

BRAVE Bay Area—originally founded in 1971 as Bay Area Women Against Rape and known as the nation’s first rape crisis center—has announced it will close its doors after more than 54 years of service. Throughout its history, BRAVE has been a lifeline for countless survivors, providing trauma‑informed counseling, survivor advocacy, prevention education, and a 24/7 bilingual hotline.

Under the leadership of Leah Kimble‑Price, the organization has worked tirelessly to support survivors and create systemic change. However, significant federal funding cuts and chronic understaffing have made it impossible for the nonprofit to continue operating at the level needed to meet the community’s needs. Rather than viewing the closure as an end, BRAVE’s leadership is ensuring that its services, legacy, and knowledge are transitioned to trusted partner organizations so that survivors continue to receive the critical support they deserve.

We are especially proud to highlight that Leah Kimble‑Price is a Class of 2023 Women of Color LeadStrong alum, exemplifying the courage, vision, and community‑centered leadership that the fellowship seeks to cultivate. Her dedication has left a lasting impact on the movement to support survivors of sexual violence and uplift the Bay Area community.

Learn more about BRAVE: https://bawar.org/