Where to get low-cost help after a sexual assault

Today is RAINN Day, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network's (RAINN) annual campaign to raise awareness and educate students against sexual violence on college campuses.  But if you or a loved one have been the victim of a sexual assault, every day is the right day to seek help.  Below, check out low-cost ways to get help in the wake of a sexual assault.

Did you know...?

• 44% of victims of rape, abuse, and incest are under the age of 18. 80% of victims are under age 30.
• Someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every 2 minutes. Every year, there are about 213,000 victims of sexual assault.
• 15 out of 16 perpetrators of sexual assault will not spend time in jail--60% of sexual assaults are not even reported to the police.
• About 2/3 of sexual assaults are committed by someone the victim knows.
• These facts and many more can be found at RAINN.org.

Need help?  Find free and low-cost resources for you or a loved one.

• In conjunction with using any of the below resources for help and support, it is always a good idea to report any sexual assault or abuse to local law enforcement officials.  Take a trusted friend or family member with you to report the incident if you aren't comfortable going alone.
• RAINN runs a great set of resources available to help you, including: 1.800.656.HOPE, the National Sexual Assault Hotline; the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline that provides live and secure internet-based help to victims; and resources for finding a local counseling center.
• The Sexual Assault Training & Investigations site offers a list of sexual assault resources for each state.
• The National Center for Victims of Crime website features many helpful articles and videos in their Dating Violence Resource Center.
• Pandora's Project features a message board, chat room, lending library, and other resources to give support to victims of rape and sexual abuse.  Safe Horizon and PAVE are also places that victims of rape, domestic violence, and sexual abuse can find articles, information, and support, as well as get involved in initiatives to promote awareness of sexual assault.
• RAINN offers resources about best practices that you can take to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault, such as a list of back-to-school safety tips, ways to avoid dangerous situations, and how to reduce your risk of assault in social situations. 
• RAINN also offers tips for helping a loved one who has been a victim of sexual assault.
• The National Sexual Violence Resource Center's website features a national resource directory and handbook preventing child sexual abuse.  Stop It Now! has a website devoted to preventing child sexual abuse.

 

How advocacy can help...

• If you have access to an advocacy service such as Health Advocate as part of your employee benefits package--or if you use an advocacy service for individuals, such as Health Proponent--there are a number of ways that the personal health advocates at these companies can provide assistance.
• An advocate can connect you to the right medical providers.  If you would like to talk to a therapist, an advocate can help you find one. 
• If you'd like to see a doctor to have them evaluate any injuries sustained in a sexual assault, or to test for any sexually transmitted diseases, the advocate can find you a local, in-network medical provider.
• An advocate can help schedule appointments for you to see these medical providers.
• Talking to an advocate can be comforting--it will remind you that you don't have to tackle this situation alone.