Sexual Abuse and Sexual Assault Hotlines

Sexual abuse and sexual assault are traumatic experiences that no one should ever have to go through. It can leave survivors feeling scared, confused, and alone. That is why it is helpful to learn that there are free and confidential resources available for those who have been sexually abused or assaulted, or wish to support a loved one. Many of these hotlines operate 24/7 and provide immediate support, information, counseling, and guidance. 

What is Sexual Abuse? 

Sexual abuse refers to any sexual contact or activity that occurs without the consent of one or more individuals involved. Sexual abuse typically happens gradually over time after the perpetrator establishes trust and connection with the target individual. It can occur in various settings, including:

• Hospital sexual abuse: This occurs when a medical professional or staff member engages in sexual misconduct or assault while providing medical care or treatment.
• Clery sexual abuse: This refers to instances where religious leaders or individuals within religious institutions abuse their power and engage in sexual exploitation, often targeting vulnerable members of their congregations.
• Foster care sexual abuse: Unfortunately, some children in foster care experience sexual abuse at the hands of their caregivers or other individuals within the foster care system.
• Nursing home sexual abuse: Elderly individuals residing in nursing homes are at risk of sexual abuse by staff members or other residents. This can include unwanted touching, coercion, or sexual assault.
• Schools and universities sexual abuse: Instances of sexual abuse can occur within educational institutions, involving teachers, coaches, or fellow students. 

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is a horrific act that involves non-consensual sexual activity. It encompasses a wide range of actions, including but not limited to rape, attempted rape, forced sexual contact, and unwanted sexual advances.

Sexual assault is a violation of a person’s boundaries, autonomy, and bodily integrity. It can have profound and lasting effects on survivors, leading to feelings of fear, shame, guilt, and trauma. It is important to recognize that sexual assault can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender, age, or background.

I Was Sexually Violated. What Should I Do?

If you have experienced sexual abuse or assault, here are some steps you can take to prioritize your well-being:

1. Find physical and emotional safe space: Try to find a place where you feel safe and secure, whether it is a trusted friend’s house, a support group, a hospital, or a shelter.
2. Speak to a loved one or contact a sexual abuse or assault helpline: It can be incredibly difficult to open up about your experience, but sharing your story with a trusted friend or family member can provide much-needed support. Alternatively, you can reach out to a sexual abuse or assault helpline, where trained professionals can offer guidance, resources, and a listening ear. These helplines are confidential and many are available 24/7.
3. Seek immediate medical attention: Even if you do not have visible injuries, you must visit a healthcare professional. They can assess your injuries, provide necessary medical treatment, and collect evidence through a rape kit examination, which can be important if you decide to pursue legal action.
4. Seek a mental health counselor: Experiencing sexual abuse or assault can have a significant impact on your mental well-being. It is essential to find a therapist or counselor who specializes in trauma and can provide you with the right support and tools to begin the healing process.
5. Consider reporting the abuse or assault: The decision to report the abuse or assault is a deeply personal one and should be made based on what feels right for you. A sexual assault lawyer can provide you with helpful guidance on the next steps. 

How Do Rape Crisis Hotlines Work?

Rape crisis hotlines play a vital role in providing immediate support and assistance to survivors of sexual abuse and assault. These hotlines generally operate 24/7/365 and offer a safe and confidential space for individuals to seek help and guidance. State Department rape crisis hotlines are dedicated to providing free and confidential services to survivors and their loved ones, ensuring that help is accessible to all.

When you call a rape crisis hotline, you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor who specializes in supporting survivors of sexual violence. These non-profit crisis counselors undergo rigorous certification to ensure that they can provide the necessary support and resources to people in need of urgent help and support. They will attend to your needs and explain your next steps, including referrals to local resources like medical professionals and other after-care services.

Which Service is Provided by the National Sexual Assault Hotline? 

The National Sexual Assault Hotline offers a range of services, including immediate support, crisis counseling, information, and referrals. When you call the hotline, a trained crisis counselor will provide compassionate and confidential assistance tailored to your needs. They can help you navigate your options, understand your rights, connect with local resources, and develop a safety plan. The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7, ensuring that support is accessible whenever you need it most.

Resources For Adult Sexual Abuse or Assault Survivors

As an adult survivor of sexual abuse or assault, finding support can be a crucial step towards healing. These organizations and services offer helpful resources:

• Victim Connect Resource Center: The Victim Connect Resource Center offers confidential, personalized referrals and information to victims of all types of crime, including sexual abuse or assault. They can connect you with local resources such as support groups, counseling services, and legal aid.
• Crisis Text Line: If you prefer texting over calling, Crisis Text Line provides 24/7 support to survivors of sexual abuse or assault. By texting a trained crisis counselor, you can receive immediate assistance, resources, and emotional support.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC): The NSVRC is a comprehensive resource center that provides information, resources, and support for survivors of sexual violence. Their website offers a wide range of articles, fact sheets, and toolkits that can be helpful for survivors seeking information or looking to connect with others.
• Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPVD): The OPDV offers resources and support for survivors of domestic violence, which includes sexual abuse or assault. Their website provides information on safety planning and counseling services.
• Safe Horizon: Safe Horizon offers a range of services, including counseling and emergency shelter. Their website provides extensive information on rights, resources, and support services.
• Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): RAINN is the largest anti-sexual violence organization in the United States. They operate the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and offer an extensive online resource library with information on sexual abuse.

Resources For Child Sex Abuse Survivors

Child sex abuse (CSA) is a devastating experience that can have lifelong effects on survivors. If you or someone you know is a child sex abuse survivor, here are some resources that can help:

• Darkness to Light: Darkness to Light is an organization dedicated to preventing child sexual abuse and helping survivors. They offer online training programs for adults on how to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to such abuse.
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN): NCTSN is a network of professionals specializing in child trauma. They provide resources, treatment options, and educational materials for CSA survivors and their families.
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: Childhelp is a national organization focused on the prevention and treatment of child abuse. They operate a 24/7 hotline where you can speak with a trained counselor who can walk you through the next steps after experiencing or witnessing abuse.
• National Children’s Alliance: The National Children’s Alliance is a network of over 900 Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) across the country. CACs provide comprehensive support and services for child abuse survivors, including forensic interviews, therapy, and support during the legal process.

Resources For LGBTQIA+ Sexual Assault Survivors

Survivors of sexual assault within the LGBTQIA+ community face unique challenges and barriers when seeking support and resources. It is crucial to acknowledge and address these specific needs in order to provide effective assistance. Here are some LGBTQIA+ specific resources that can offer support and guidance to survivors:

• The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is a national organization focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQIA+ youth. They offer a 24/7 helpline, chat service, and text support.
• Network/La Red: Network/La Red is an organization that offers support and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals who have experienced partner abuse or sexual assault. They provide a confidential hotline, safety planning, advocacy, and support groups specifically tailored to LGBTQIA+ sexual abuse survivors.
• National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP): NCAVP is a national coalition of organizations working to address and prevent violence against LGBTQIA+ and HIV-affected communities. 
• Trans Lifeline: Trans Lifeline is a hotline specifically dedicated to providing support to transgender individuals. They offer a peer support line and a microgrants program to help cover the costs of gender-affirming necessities and resources.
• LGBT National Help Center: The LGBT National Help Center offers resources and support to LGBTQIA+ individuals across a range of topics, including sexual assault. Their helpline and online chat services are staffed by trained volunteers who can provide relevant information and guidance.

Resources For Clergy Sexual Abuse Survivors

Clergy sexual abuse survivors face a myriad of issues due to the nature of the abuse. It is important to acknowledge the specific needs of clergy sexual abuse survivors and provide them with tailored assistance. Here are some resources that can help:

• Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP): SNAP is an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of clergy sexual abuse. They are located in many parts of the world and help survivors to access useful resources and connect with others in similar situations.
• Bishop Accountability: Bishop Accountability is a resource that tracks sexual abuse and cover-up within the Catholic Church. They provide access to documents, news articles, and information on specific cases to promote transparency and empower survivors to come forward with their stories.
• Silent Lambs: Silent Lambs (“The Day the Lambs Roared”) is an organization that focuses on supporting survivors of abuse within Jehovah’s Witnesses. They provide resources, advocacy, and a supportive community for Jehovah’s Witnesses abuse survivors to share their stories and find healing.
• The Catholic Project: The Catholic Project is an initiative of the Catholic University of America that aims to respond to the sexual abuse crisis in the Catholic Church. Their advocacy efforts are meant to promote accountability and transparency within the Church.

Resources For Teen Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you are a teen who has experienced sexual abuse, know that you are not alone and there are organizations ready to offer support and guidance on your path to healing:

• Love is Respect: Love is Respect is a resource for teens experiencing dating abuse, including sexual violence. They offer a helpline, online chat, and text support to assist teens in navigating their relationships.
• National Runaway Safeline: If you are a teen survivor who is enduring abuse at home, has run away due to such abuse, or is experiencing abuse while living on the streets, the National Runaway Safeline can provide confidential support, guidance, and connections to local resources for housing and trauma counseling.
• #BreakingCodeSilence: For survivors of abuse within the troubled teen industry, the #BreakingCodeSilence movement provides support, resources, and advocacy. This community offers a platform to share stories, connect with others who have experienced similar abuse, and work towards creating change.
• National Safe Place: National Safe Place provides support and resources to youth in crisis, including those who have experienced sexual abuse or assault. They have multiple locations so teens can find immediate help and access to support services. 

Resources For People With Disabilities Who Were Sexually Abused

People with disabilities who have experienced sexual abuse deserve specialized support catered to their needs:

• National Disability Rights Network: The National Disability Rights Network aims to protect and advocate for the rights of people with disabilities. They offer resources and legal advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse with disabilities.
• Deaf Abused Women’s Network (DAWN): DAWN focuses on providing crisis intervention services for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who have experienced abuse in the D.C. area.
• Coalition for Abuse Victims with Disabilities (CAVANET): CAVANET is an organization dedicated to supporting crime victims with disabilities by equipping them with educational content and helpful information. 

Resources For Religious or Ethnic Minorities Who Were Sexually Abused

Survivors who belong to religious or ethnic minorities may face additional challenges and barriers due to social stigma, bias, and more. The following organizations and services specifically cater to the needs of religious and/or ethnic minority survivors:

• FaithTrust Institute: FaithTrust Institute provides training, resources, and support to address sexual and domestic violence within religious communities. 
• Strong Hearts Native Helpline: It is not always easy to tell if you are being abused. Strong Hearts Native Helpline recognizes this and offers help to Native Americans who have experienced domestic violence or sexual assault. 
• NISA Helpline: The NISA Helpline is a confidential helpline that offers support to Muslim women who have experienced abuse or assault. 
• Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies (NJHSA): NJHSA is an organization that connects Jewish human service agencies, providing help to Jewish individuals who have experienced abuse. They offer counseling services, support groups, and educational programs.

Resources For Sexual Assault Survivors Who Are Not Fluent in English

It is important to acknowledge that not all survivors may be fluent in English, and it is crucial to ensure that language is not a barrier when seeking help. Here are some resources available to assist in different languages:

• Child Welfare Information Gateway (Spanish version): This is a US government website offering information, resources, and support in Spanish for survivors of child sexual abuse and their families.
• RAINN’s Spanish hotline: RAINN, which operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline, also offers a Spanish hotline where trained counselors can provide support and resources in Spanish.
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) – Multilingual resources: The NSVRC provides multilingual resources, including brochures, fact sheets, and toolkits, that offer support and information for sexual assault survivors in various languages.

Resource For New York Sexual Abuse Survivors

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse or assault in New York, you may reach out to the following for immediate assistance:

• New York State Hotline for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence: This hotline offers immediate support to the survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. It operates 24/7 and connects survivors with trained professionals who can provide guidance.
• New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault: The New York State Coalition is a statewide organization dedicated to ending sexual violence and providing support for survivors. Their rape crisis centers provide free and useful services across New York State counties. 
• Department of Health (DOH) Rape Crisis Programs (by county): Similarly, the New York State DOH funds rape crisis programs are organized by county to offer counseling, support groups, advocacy, and other resources to survivors of sexual assault.

If you need legal assistance for sexual abuse cases in New York, Edwards Henderson can provide legal support to you or your loved one. 

Resources For Florida Sexual Abuse Survivors

Here are some organizations and services that can provide assistance to Florida sexual abuse survivors :

• Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV): FCASV is a statewide nonprofit organization that works to end sexual violence. They offer help to individuals affected by sexual abuse in Florida.
• Florida Department of Health Sexual Violence Prevention Program: This program offers information on local rape crisis centers and other support services available in Florida.
• Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF): The DCF offers a variety of programs and services to support child and adult survivors of sexual abuse. They can guide you on reporting abuse, finding counseling services, and connecting with support groups.

If you are seeking legal help related to sexual abuse in Florida, consider contacting a Florida sexual abuse attorney who understands local laws and the justice system.

Resources For California Sexual Abuse Survivors

California sexual abuse survivors have access to a variety of resources that can provide support and assistance on their healing journey. Here are some local organizations and services:

• California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA): CALCASA is a statewide organization dedicated to ending sexual violence and providing support for survivors. However, they do not provide crisis services. 
• California Department of Public Health: The California Department of Public Health provides information and resources for survivors of sexual assault, such as for accessing medical care.
• California Sexual Assault Centers: Numerous rape crisis centers throughout California offer counseling, support groups, and other services to help sexual assault and rape survivors. 

If you are seeking legal assistance for sexual abuse in California, we can help. Contact us today to learn more. 

Should I Contact a Sexual Abuse and Assault Lawyer?

Navigating the legal process as a sexual abuse survivor can be daunting, especially considering the multitude of barriers that many survivors face. Whether it’s race, sexuality, gender, or language, seeking justice can often feel overwhelming. This is why it might help to retain the services of a compassionate and knowledgeable sexual abuse and assault lawyer in your area. 

An experienced sex abuse attorney understands the intricacies of the legal system and can guide you through the process with empathy and expertise. They can help you understand your rights, navigate any challenges that may arise, and advocate for you every step of the way. 

Your sexual abuse lawyer will work with you to gather evidence, prepare your case, and pursue legal action against the perpetrator and any enabling third-party organization that failed to protect you from harm. They can also provide crucial support and reassurance during what can be a difficult and emotional journey.

Let Us Help You: Contact a Sexual Violence Attorney at Edwards Henderson

If you or a loved one has experienced sexual violence, the attorneys at Edwards Henderson are here to support you. We understand the devastating impact of sex crimes, and are dedicated to helping you reclaim your voice. With a track recordof successful outcomes, our attorneys have the skill and expertise to guide you through the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.