The Clayton

Rape Crisis Center, which also serves Fayette County, is changing its

name as of Oct. 1.

The center

will then be known as the Southern Crescent Sexual Assault Center, said

Kira Yancey, the organization's community outreach coordinator. The name

change was meant to keep residents from thinking the center only serves

Clayton County when it also serves Fayette and Henry counties, she said.

The center

helps victims of rape and sexual assault by providing free counseling

and support during hospital exams, Yancey said.

"Sometimes

it helps the victim to know that someone's there since often they're there

[at the hospital] alone," Yancey added.

The center

also maintains a crisis line, 770-477-2177, and an educational program

for local schools and other groups. Victims also are guided through the

judicial process when necessary, Yancey said.

For information

on the center or its programs, phone Yancey at 770-603-4045.