Legal Resources
If you experience sexual assault, it is crucial to understand that the assault was in no way your fault, regardless of the circumstances. It's important to remember that sexual assault is driven by the perpetrator's desire to control, dominate, abuse, and humiliate their target, and has little to do with passion, lust, or sexual arousal.
Different survivors may react in various ways following an assault, including feelings of shock, rage, guilt, shame, numbness, and fear of embarrassment. Some survivors may struggle to recall details of the incident. Your safety and well-being should be your top priority. Ensure you are in a safe environment or find a secure place to relocate. Consider reaching out to a friend, relative, partner, the police, or a trained advocate who specializes in supporting survivors of sexual assault. Advocates can provide crucial information, advice, and maintain confidentiality. The decision to report the assault to law enforcement is yours alone, and if you choose to do so, preserving evidence becomes important.
Here are some important things to remember not to do:
- Do not shower, bathe, or douche.
- Do not tidy up the scene.
- Do not use the restroom.
- Do not brush or comb your hair or wash your face.
- Do not put on makeup.
- Do not eat or drink anything.
While it may be challenging, try to document everything you can remember about the incident as soon as possible. This may include physical characteristics of the assailant (such as weight, height, tattoos, facial features, clothing, shoes, scars), voice characteristics and statements made before and during the assault, evidence of intoxication or drug use, description of weapons, description of sexual activity, time and location of the incident, method of approach, and any implements used before or during the assault.
Although recounting a personal assault can be difficult, it can aid in identifying and prosecuting the assailant. It also allows survivors to play an active role in the investigation and trial, helping to restore their sense of control and confidence. Remember, support and resources are available to assist you through this process.
National
RAINN - Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network National Sexual Assault Hotline 1 (800) 656-HOPE (4613) www.rainn.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) The NSVRC provides people with the resources they need to address and prevent sexual violence. Additionally, the organization has an extensive library and virtual information bank of statistics, research, information and speakers on a variety of relevant topics.1 (877) 739-3895 www.nsvrc.org
The Anti-Violence Project – Serves the LGBTQ community
Hotline: 212-714-1124 w
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Strong Hearts Native Helpline
1-844-7NATIVE
Love is Respect: 1-866-331-9474
Love is Respect is the national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.
Helping Survivors of Abuse and Assault
Our mission is to assist anyone who has been victimized by sexual assault or abuse. Our website is a compilation of information about different instances of sexual violence. We offer resources to assist survivors and their families.
Drug Rehab USA- Substance Abuse Treatment Directory
Mission: To reduce the impact of substance abuse by helping people locate proper addiction treatment and provide accurate recovery information.
RISE SELF PROTECTION
RESOURCES
FOLLOW RISE
© Copyrights by The Rise Initiative. All Rights Reseved.