The way survivors of sexual assault can get help is changing slightly in St. Joseph County.

Rape victims used to visit the Madison Center for help from SOS, but now, the county Family Justice Center is taking over SOS.

At a news conference Monday, staff said the transition was a natural progression since they work together every day.

The announcement means staff from SOS will move into the Family Justice Center in two weeks.

Staff say the move gives them a chance to train better and to better use volunteers.

“Having those advocates here opens up a lot more opportunities for the Family Justice Center to tap into those volunteers and really train those people to do more types of response,” said Wendy Chapman of the Madison Center.

In 2008 SOS helped 250 crisis patients.

Staffers say it also helped many others deal with sexual assault.