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Call Us (866) GO-SEE-SAM
Aug 16, 2024
Sexual assault can turn a victim’s world upside down in an instant. All forms of sexual violence are deeply traumatic experiences that can leave survivors with myriad adverse effects. The journey to healing and recovery can be challenging, but no one has to face it alone. There are numerous resources for sexual assault victims at local, state, and national levels. These resources are available to provide support, guidance, and assistance throughout the healing process. This article aims to shed light on the availability of these vital resources and empower survivors to seek the help they need.
When dealing with the aftermath of sexual assault, immediate support can be critical. Sexual assault hotlines offer a lifeline to survivors, providing confidential one-on-one consultations, information, and referrals 24/7.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), is a free & confidential service available 24/7. By calling 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), survivors can connect with trained support specialists who provide crisis intervention, information about local resources, and support throughout the healing process. RAINN’s 24/7 chat feature may also be utilized. This non-verbal system can be invaluable, particularly when survivors are unable to speak due to their proximity to a perpetrator.
Many communities have local sexual assault crisis centers that offer a range of services, including:
These centers are staffed by trained professionals who understand the unique needs of sexual assault survivors and can provide personalized support. Let’s take a look at some of the local options available in and around Los Angeles:
A sexual assault response team is an organized group of professionals who promote a community-wide approach to ending sexual violence and helping victims navigate the complexities of medical, emotional, and legal issues along with the associated procedures. Some SARTs accessible in Los Angeles County include:
– East Los Angeles Women’s Center: The mission of the East Los Angeles Women’s Center is to ensure that all women, girls, and their families live in a place of safety, health, and personal well-being, free from violence and abuse, with equal access to necessary health services and social support, with an emphasis on Latino communities. Their 24/7 English and Spanish advocate line is 800-585-6231.
– Peace Over Violence: Peace Over Violence is a relationship violence prevention center headquartered in Los Angeles that is committed to social service, change, and justice. It provides support for sexual assault survivors and case management services 24 hours a day. Spanish-speaking staff is available.
– Project Sister Family Service: This organization offers support to survivors of sexual abuse, including resources for child sexual abuse in the form of counseling, therapy, support groups, crisis management, and other resources. To meet the needs of the community, it also has dedicated walk-in hours for in-person support services.
– Rape Treatment Center, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center: This rape treatment center is dedicated to serving the Latino population with crisis intervention, prevention, and health resources 24 hours a day via 310-319-4000 (Spanish available).
– Center For The Pacific Asian Family, Inc: This organization has a multilingual helpline with trained advocates. Languages include Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, and more. Advocates can provide immediate crisis intervention, safety planning, and emotional support for survivors, along with referrals to appropriate resources in the community. 800-339-3940
– Strength United: Family services are a strong focus for this organization. They provide sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy and counseling as well as survivor resources, adoption and child mistreatment support, and more.
– Valley Oasis: Valley Oasis hosts a 60-day emergency shelter to help those in need as well as sexual abuse response services and children’s services such as resources for child sexual abuse. This community-based organization is dedicated to eliminating social and domestic violence and homelessness through community awareness, intervention, prevention, safe shelter, and supportive services.
– Violence Intervention Program: This adult-focused sexual assault center is equipped to provide rapid, in-depth support tailored to each abuse situation. Trained staff and physicians supply resources and dedicated care, which includes sexual assault assessment and exams and Safe Center resources by primarily focusing on college-age sexual assault survivors.
– YWCA Greater Los Angeles Sexual Assault Crisis Services: YWCA provides sexual assault services to survivors. It also offers volunteer opportunities for people in Compton and the surrounding communities. 877-Y-HELPS-U (943-5778). English and Spanish options available.
– LA County Department of Children and Family Services: This government agency provides emergency response to residents 24 hours a day. Their primary goals are intervention and safety, with social workers are immediately available to provide assistance and investigate allegations of child sexual abuse. To reach LADCFS, call 800-540-4000.
Being the most populous state in the nation, California is also home to the largest sex offender registry. The State of California Department of Justice confirms that there are over 120,000 registered sex offenders in the Golden State. And with almost 325,000* Americans raped or sexually assaulted in 2021, having statewide resources available can be a critical part of a survivor’s personal healing journey.
*282,043 of those victims were women, while the corresponding number for men was 42,454. It is estimated that one in five women and one in 71 men will be raped at some point in their lives.
– California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB): Considered the “payer of last resort,” CalVCB provides compensation for survivors after all available reimbursement and recovery sources are used. When medical insurance, disability insurance, employer benefits, and civil suits are exhausted, CalVCB gives victims of sexual violence another lifeline.
– California Department of Child Services: In California, professionals like teachers, social workers, clergy members, school administrators, and public service personnel are charged with a duty to protect those who can’t protect themselves. The Mandated Reporting Law in California requires that abuse and neglect – whether physical, sexual, emotional, etc. – is reported to the proper authorities. But when mandated reporters fail to take immediate action. California’s Child Protective Services can help investigate and provide resources for sexual abuse.
– Hire Hollywood Survivors: Founded to provide resources for survivors of sexual assault in the entertainment industry, Hire Hollywood Survivors is also working to create safer workplace environments. The organization’s website states that its team is working to end career retaliation against survivors of sexual violence in the entertainment industry by encouraging those in positions of power to pledge to Hire Survivors and Silence Breakers.
– California Coalition Against Sexual Assault: This organization is dedicated to advocating on behalf of and supporting the work of rape crisis centers, which operate independently throughout California. CALCASA is committed to ending sexual violence through a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, intervention, education, research, advocacy, and public policy.
“National Sexual Violence Resource Council (NSVRC): The NSVRC confirms that 81% of women and 43% of men will report experiencing some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. This organization works to support survivors of all forms of sexual violence through advocacy, accompaniment during medical exams, education, and follow-up services.
“RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and the National Sexual Assault Hotline: Survivors of sexual violence may access RAINN’s chat services as well as the National Hotline 24/7 by calling 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). RAINN’s trained support specialists are standing by to answer any questions you have and provide you with all-encompassing crisis support based on the unique nature of your case. Dordulian Law Group’s founder and president, sexual assault attorney Sam Dordulian, is a member of the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
For those who prefer digital communication, many anti-sexual violence organizations offer online chat support. These services provide survivors with opportunities to connect with trained support specialists through text-based conversations, providing a safe and anonymous way to seek help.
Long-term healing often requires ongoing support and professional help. Counseling and recovery programs play a vital role in helping survivors process their experiences and develop coping strategies.
Several therapeutic approaches have shown efficacy in treating trauma related to sexual assault:
Each approach has its unique benefits, and the most suitable option depends on the individual survivor’s needs and preferences.
When seeking a therapist, it’s important to find someone who specializes in similar trauma to that which you’ve endured and has experience working with a variety of sexual assault survivors. Resources for locating qualified therapists in your area include:
Support groups offer a unique opportunity for survivors to connect with others who have had similar experiences. These groups can provide validation, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical coping strategies. Many local organizations and online platforms facilitate support groups for sexual assault survivors.
Many advocacy organizations offer practical support to help survivors address immediate needs, such as:
These services can be crucial in helping survivors maintain stability as they navigate the healing process.
Trauma-informed care is a specialized approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. This approach is essential in providing effective support for sexual assault survivors.
These principles guide service providers in creating environments and interactions that promote healing and avoid re-traumatization.
An important aspect of trauma-informed care is empowering survivors with self-care techniques and coping strategies. These may include:
Survivors are encouraged to explore different strategies and find what works best for them.
Many survivors have reported finding healing through creative therapies, such as:
These approaches can provide alternative ways to process trauma and express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize.
Although it can be one of the best means for empowering sexual assault survivors and ensuring justice when all other avenues have failed, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming and even off-putting. But understanding your rights and options can be one of the most important parts of the healing process. By first determining what legal options are available and then researching whether that’s something you’d like to pursue, the process can seem much more manageable.
Sexual assault survivors have specific rights within the legal system, including:
Below, we will detailed information about these rights and how you can exercise them.
Survivors have several options for reporting sexual assault. Let’s look at the criminal option first, while understanding that the decision to make a criminal report will not automatically have an impact on your ability to file a civil lawsuit at a later date if you so choose.
Criminal reporting options for sexual assault survivors may include:
It’s important to note that survivors have the right to decide whether or not to report the assault as a criminal matter, and that decision should always be respected by law enforcement.
Sexual assault attorneys specialize in these types of complex cases. We serve as important legal advocates and provide invaluable support throughout the civil claim process. With criminal charges, the goal is to punish the offender through a jail sentence. With civil cases, the goal is to help the survivor recover through financial compensation while also punishing the offender by enforcing financial penalties. As the survivor, you get to decide whether one, both, or none of those options is in your best interest.
Dordulian Law Group is a nationally-recognized firm based in California and featuring the best sexual assault lawyers available. With over $200,000,000.00 in civil cash settlements and verdicts recovered for our clients while maintaining a near-perfect 98% win record, Dordulian Law Group is the firm survivors trust when seeking justice for their sexual assault cases.
Our dedicated sexual assault professionals are standing by 24/7 to provide a number of services:
Many sexual assault crisis centers and nonprofit organizations offer free legal referral services to survivors. Dordulian Law Group works closely with a number of victim advocates throughout Los Angeles County and California. We understand how these organizations play a crucial role in supporting sexual assault survivors and providing comprehensive assistance.
At Dordulian Law Group, we don’t simply provide access to the best sexual assault lawyers. Our four-tiered SAJE Team (Sexual Assault Justice Experts) was established to provide survivors with a unique form of legal representation that goes beyond specialization in the courtroom. It’s a 24/7 network of professionals available to you throughout the entire legal process:
Our victim advocates are here to offer you a range of services, including:
Sexual assault is a reprehensible act that impacts countless victims in the United States every year. But while the scope is extensive, the experience can be unique for each individual survivor. Additionally, your path forward and how you choose to pursue healing, closure, and potentially justice is deeply personal.
The resources and support services discussed in this post are designed to meet diverse needs and preferences. Whether seeking immediate crisis support, long-term counseling, legal assistance, or practical help, there are options available for you.
What’s most important is understanding that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. No survivor has to face this journey alone. With the right support and resources, healing and reclaiming one’s life after sexual assault is possible.
If you’d like to discuss your options for pursuing a civil lawsuit, contact Dordulian Law Group’s sexual assault lawyers today for a confidential and free consultation at 866-GO-SEE-SAM.
No - The decision to report to law enforcement is entirely yours. You have the right to report the assault, but you're not obligated to do so. Many support services are available regardless of whether you choose to report.
Recovery is a personal journey that varies widely for each survivor. There's no set timeline for healing from sexual violence. Some survivors may feel better in months, while others may take several years. It's important to be patient with yourself and seek support whenever needed throughout what may be a long and stressful process.
Yes, nearly all of the sexual assault resources and support services are available to survivors of all genders. Some organizations may offer specialized services for male survivors, such as 1in6.org, an anti-sexual assault organization providing resources and support solely for male members.
It's never too late to seek help (or, in many cases, justice). Countless survivors don't disclose or seek support immediately after an assault due to the gravity of the crime. But support services are available to you whenever need - regardless of when the assault occurred.
Listen without judgment, believe them, and let them know it's not their fault. Respect their decisions and privacy. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments if they want. And remember to also take care of yourself, as supporting a survivor can be emotionally challenging.
Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.
Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years' experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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