WHAT TO DO

After an incident of sexual violence, it is very normal to feel scared, lost, or unsure of what to do. You may be feeling physically or emotionally hurt, tired, or unsure of your options. Knowing your next steps may help bring comfort to you during this time.
To Report or Not Report:
  • Reporting to law enforcement is entirely your decision. Seeking justice through the criminal justice system can help some recover, while others find justice through other methods of healing. 
  • If you choose to report you can do so by calling 911, a local police department, or visiting a medical center who can connect you with law enforcement. If proceeding with filing a police report, victims can expect to speak first with an officer, and then a detective. You will most likely be referred to a medical facility for a medical forensic exam for evidence collection. From there the perpetrator will be contact and interviewed, and the detective can choose to file charges from there. The legal process can be a long and drawn out process, but an advocate will be with you every step of the way if you want. 
  • Not reporting the assault is well within your rights as a victim, and still entitles you to a free medical forensic exam. Exam kits can be submitted anonymously and stored for at least a year. During that year the victim can change his/her mind at any time and decide to file charges. As long as the report is made within the statute of limitations in your state, you can choose to file a report at any time. 
Medical Forensic Exams:
  • If you are in a safe place it is important to receive medical attention. Victims are entitled to FREE medical forensic exams even if they choose to not report to law enforcement. Medical forensic exams offer many benefits: pregnancy testing and emergency contraceptive, STI testing, physical exam for injuries, and evidence collection. 
  • While timing for evidence collection can vary case by case, most local hospitals offer exams up to 5 days after the assault. In order to collect the best evidence, experts recommend getting an exam as soon as possible, refraining from showering or urinating, and if you must change clothes keep the clothes you wore at the time of the assault. Even without doing all these things you can still get an exam for medical reasons. If you have more questions about what to do or what to expect please contact an advocate.
Responding to Disclosures:

If you find yourself in a situation in which a child discloses sexual abuse to you, it is always best to be prepared and know how to respond. Keep in mind that the false reporting rate for of sexual abuse against children is between 4% and 8%, so do not minimize or overlook it if a child is reporting to you. 
  • Don’t ask too many questions. Leave the investigating to the experts, your role is to support the person that is disclosing to you, not to find out all the details of the incident.
  • Report the abuse. Everyone in Indiana is a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or the abuse of an endangered adult. An anonymous report can be made by calling the Department of Child Services Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.
  • Support and believe the victim. This is one of the most important things to do. Research shows that one supportive person makes the biggest difference in helping a victim heal. Reassure them that they will be loved and supported throughout the process.
  • Keep them safe. If you are reporting the abuse of someone that isn’t your child, you aren’t obligated to inform their parent/guardian that you are making a report. If you believe that a parent is a perpetrator you can protect that child from further abuse/harassment by not letting the parent know until other safe arrangements have been made. The victim’s safety is the priority, and you should always think of ways to keep them safe from the abuser.

Safety Plan

Your safety is the most important thing to us. Most often sexual assaults are committed by a friend or family member that the victim knows, which can make safety planning even more important. Here are a few quick safety tips:

Find a safe place: 
  • A safe place can be anywhere that brings you comfort and security. It can mean staying with a family member or friend, in a hotel, or in a shelter.  
  • Be mindful of location settings on your phone. If your abuser has access to any social media accounts, email, or phone location be sure to disable those so they can’t find you in your safe place.
Find a safe person:
  • You are not alone. Finding someone that will support you will play a big part in your recovery from sexual assault. If you are scared to tell your friends or family, please remember that a Crisis Connection advocate is available 24/7 and unconditionally believes and supports all victims. 
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 or other emergency services.

SUpporting A Loved One

Nearly every victim of sexual assault has someone that loves and cares about them who is also impacted by the assault. Being a loved one of someone impacted by sexual assault can sometimes be just as emotionally damaging as being the one assaulted. You may be feeling guilt, confusion, anger, or unsure of how to help and be supportive. That’s okay! Advocates at crisis connection are here to help, and we put together a quick list of Do’s and Don’ts for you! 
Do:
  • Believe unconditionally
  • Provide support
  • Ask what they need
  • Accept changes in their behavior

Don’t:
  • Pity
  • Shock
  • Denial
  • Revenge seeking
  • Victim Blaming

Self-Care

​Make a point to practice self-care for your own wellbeing. You must make sure you are in a healthy place yourself in order to be a healthy support for your loved one. 

Some things you can do:
  • Hike
  • Read a book
  • Meditate
  • Take a break from digital devices
  • Find a therapist
  • Plant a garden

There are endless options for self-care, but the most important thing is to find something that works for you.
“My advocate listened to what I had to say without judgement. She was understanding and helpful about my problems. She seemed to genuinely care.”
CRISIS CONNECTION INC. AND ITS STAFF OFFER SERVICES WITHOUT REGARD TO OR DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, MENTAL OR PHYSICAL ABILITY, ETHNIC OR NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, RELIGION, GENDER, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, POLITICAL AFFILIATION OR BELIEF, MARITAL STATUS, PLACE OF RESIDENCE, OR STATUS IN REGARD TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OR VETERANS STATUS IN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL LAWS.