Services For Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

Any sexual contact that you do not consent (or agree) to is sexual assault. Sexual assault does not have to include intercourse, or sex. Sexual assault can include any unwanted contact with private body parts such as the penis, vagina, breasts, and buttocks. This includes contact that happens over your clothes that you don’t want, don’t agree to, or are forced to do. Sexual assault also includes certain acts that don’t involve touching, like someone exposing their private parts—their penis, vagina, or breasts—in front of you. If you are unsure if something is sexual assault, you should talk with any trusted adult, such as a doctor, your caregiver, case manager, your attorney, or guardian ad litem.

SCRAPPY SAYS: It is never your fault if you are sexually assaulted.

 

What is consent and how do I give consent?

Consent must be given voluntarily and knowingly; and ideally verbally saying yes is best. It is your decision to decide what, if any, sexual activity is right for you. Agreeing to sexual activity (saying yes or giving consent) means that you have freely decided to engage in that activity. Sometimes, you may feel forced to agree, and in that case you would not be freely consenting. If you feel pressured emotionally or physically, but still go along with the act because you feel you don’t have a choice, are afraid, or don’t know how to get out of the situation, you are not giving consent. It is important to know that someone under 18 cannot consent to sexual activity or sexual touching with an adult. Even if someone under 18 wanted to agree, or consent, to sexual activity with an adult, it is a serious crime for the adult to do so. It is never the child’s fault if they are sexually assaulted.

What do I do if I have been sexually assaulted or I think I have been sexually assaulted?

Call 911. Sexual assault is a serious crime and should be reported. Do not worry about getting into trouble. In these situations, your health and safety is most important.

Go to the hospital right away. Do not shower, go to the bathroom, or change your clothes before you go. The doctors at the hospital and the police need to examine you to see whether you are hurt and collect any evidence from your clothing and/or body during the medical exam.

What if I don’t feel comfortable calling 911 or going to the hospital?

You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline. When you call 800-656-HOPE(4673) you will get help from a trained staff member who can help you find a local health facility that can care for survivors of sexual assault. A trained staff member will be able to help you talk about what happened, answer basic medical questions you may have, help you understand the law, and give you information about local resources that can help you get better. You can also access 24/7 help online by visiting online.rainn.org and using their online chat.

What are my rights when dealing with police as a victim?

In Florida, victims have the right to:

• Get a forensic exam, even if they don’t report the crime to police
• Have a trained advocate with them during the exam and during discovery and deposition
• Make sure the exam is tested within 30 days if the crime is reported
• Look over the police report before it’s officially submitted
• Be told about and attend court hearings and speak up during the case
• Be there for sentencing and be told if the offender is released
• Ask the court to make the offender pay for damages or losses
• Share how the crime affected them through a victim impact statement
• Say no to taking a lie detector test
• Take up to 3 days off work if their employer qualifies
• Ask for the offender to be tested for HIV and hepatitis
• Keep their name and personal info private during the investigation
• Ask for a restraining order if they’re scared or the offender is getting out of jail or prison

What is a forensic exam?

A forensic exam is a head-to-toe exam that allows a medical professional to check for injuries and collect evidence after a sexual crime.

What are my rights during a forensic exam?

You can always stop the exam at any time.  You have the right to have an advocate from a rape crisis center with you.   You also have the right to be informed about the status of the kit while it is being processed.

What other general resources are available to me as a victim of a sexual crime?

Florida has a program known as Victim Compensation, which is a federally funded program that provides for medical care, loss of income, mental health services, relocation, and other expenses you may have from a sexual crime.

What is a restraining order and how can I get one?

In Florida, a restraining order is called an injunction for protection.  These can be used to protect people who were victims of sexual violence or domestic violence. If you have been the victim of sexual violence or domestic violence and are afraid for your safety, you can contact your local clerk’s office to learn the steps on how to apply for an injunction. You can also ask the clerk if there are any local legal aid attorneys that can represent you while getting an injunction.

Do I have to report to the police to receive help?

You do not have to report your assault to the police to receive help, although there are a number of resources to help you decide if you want to report.  Contact your local sexual assault service provider for assistance in making that decision.  Remember – you have the right to have an advocate with you while reporting any sexual crime to the police.

Are you worried you may also be a victim of human trafficking?

Check out the human trafficking tab for more information.  There are many local and federal resources available for you.

Are there other resources available for me if I have been sexually assaulted?

Yes, the following resources are available to anyone who has been sexually assaulted:
Federal Resources:

•  www.nsvrc.org
•  www.rainn.org
• www.loveisrespect.org