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During the 1970's, grass roots rape crisis centers were established in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. The first rape crisis centers in the United States originated independently, but resembled one another. Today they have become influential settings for community action, legal advocacy, and service reform. The National Organization for Women (NOW) focused on sexual violence and began assisting local community groups with the initiation of anti-rape citizen task forces.

By 1974, 61 community-based rape crisis centers were established in 27 states. Rapid growth continued during the 1970's and region-wide communication fostered multicenter action for social change. In 1976 federal legislation, Public Law 94-63 created the National Center for Prevention and Control of Rape (NCPCR) to sponsor research, demonstration and training programs that would shed light on causes of sexual assault, its mental health impact on victims, and the effectiveness of varied treatment and prevention strategies.

The Rape Crisis Center (RCC) in San Luis Obispo County began in 1975 when volunteers met in parks and garages to form the current center. They applied for nonprofit status and established bylaws. Rape Crisis Center incorporated on December 31, 1976 and was granted nonprofit status in 1980. The name was changed to Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention (SARP) Center of San Luis Obispo County in 2000 in order to encompass the expanding functions of the organization.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

— Margaret Mead

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