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| Escape

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Find Help and Support

There is a national network of community-based rape crisis centers and local organizations who support the needs of sexual assault survivors. These centers exist across the United States to provide supportive services to victims of sexual assault. While the specific services available vary by location, services are confidential and may include:

  • advocacy,
  • accompaniment during medical exams and law enforcement interviews,
  • education,
  • follow-up services,
  • and referrals to other resources.

Every state and territory also has an organization designated to coordinate resources and represent that state or territory as its coalition.

NSVRC maintains a directory of organizations that lists state and territory sexual assault coalitions, victim/survivor support organizations, and local communities of color sexual assault organizations. You can contact your state or territory’s coalition to find local resources that provide services to survivors. You can also find a rape crisis center or sexual assault program near you by searching RALIANCE’s directory of local programs. 

The Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN), organizes the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline. The Hotline is a referral service that can put you in contact with your local rape crisis center. You can call the Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, or access RAINN’s online chat service.

Know Your Rights and Options

Victims of crime have rights that depend on the laws of the location (state, territory, tribe) where the crime occurred. Some of the laws that might apply to you if a person has committed the crime of sexual assault against you include:

  • Availability of a forensic exam (rape kit) at no cost to you
  • Confidential access to victim advocates
  • Time limits (statute of limitations) on certain legal actions
  • Mandated reporting of the assault if you are a vulnerable person (child or elder adult)
  • Confidential communication with service providers
  • Testing or storage of evidence kits
  • Possible financial compensation for you as a crime victim

It is also a good idea to contact a rape crisis center in the area where you were assaulted since they should be familiar with the laws that apply in their area. RAINN maintains an excellent database of state laws that can help you to understand what rights you have.