In January 1976 a group of five women began exploring the possibility of bringing services, for survivors of sexual assault, to the Niagara Region.  For the next year a series of discussion through public forum and supported by various institutions and organization such as Niagara College, Social Planning Council and Woman's Place placed the concerns for services for survivors of sexual assault front and centre, specifically the need for a 24-hour crisis line.

In June 1977 with a grant from Human Awareness Services-Canada CARSA established a 24-hour crisis line. The grant further provided funds for the development of a volunteer network, and professional programs all of which would be supported by 5 staff.

This was the beginning of a long journey and in September of 1977 CARSA Inc. was incorporated and became known to the community as the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre.

Over 30 years later the Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre CARSA Inc. continues to provide the highest quality of service across the region. With core funding of approximately 60% from the Ministry of the Attorney General the NRSAC is an iatrical part of the regional infrastructure. The Centres public education programs have become a main stay of school systems in each community; individual and group therapy programs continue to grow in demand and highly trained volunteers provided thousands of hours of service each year to those individuals in moments of crisis and despair.

The Centre currently runs through the devoted efforts of 10 individuals. All of whom are highly skilled and trained in each their own area of expertise. The struggle for adequate funding is a constant battle and although stressful at times does not take away from the rewards of doing work that is important and crucial to the well-being and quality of life of those we serve.