Resources for Survivors
- JustinaLindeman .
- Jun 29, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 20, 2023
If you are sexually assaulted, It is crucial that you understand that, no matter what you did, where you were, what time of day it was, or what you were wearing, the sexual assault was in no way your fault. Sexual assault has little to nothing to do with passion, lust, or sexual arousal; instead, it is mostly motivated by the perpetrator’s need to control, dominate, abuse, and humiliate the target.
The ways in which survivors of sexual assault react following their attack can differ greatly. Shock, rage, guilt, shame, numbness, and fear of embarrassment are all possible reactions. Some survivors have difficulty recalling what happened. The first and most important factor should be prioritizing your safety and well-being. First, ensure that you are in a safe environment or relocate to a place where you will be more secure. You could consider calling a friend, relative, partner, the police, or an advocate specifically trained in assisting survivors of sexual assault. Trained advocates can give you vital information and advice, and everything you confide in them will be kept confidential. The decision to report a sexual assault is yours alone. If you do intend to report the assault to law enforcement, it is important to preserve as much evidence as possible.
Do not:
Shower, Bath, or Douche
Tidy up the scene
Use the restroom
Brush or comb your hair or wash your face.
Put on makeup
Eat or drink anything
Although it can be difficult, you should try to record everything you can remember about the incident as soon as possible, including:
Physical Characteristics of the Assailant (weight, height, tattoos, facial features, clothing, shoes, scars)
Voice Characteristics and statements made before and during the assault.
Evidence of intoxication or drug use.
Description of Weapons
Description of sexual activity
Time and location of the incident
Method of approach
Implements used before or during the assault
Although it may be exceedingly difficult to recount a personal assault, doing so can help to identify and prosecute the assailant. Additionally, it provides survivors with an active role in the investigation and trial, which can help to restore their control and confidence.
Resources
National
RAINN - Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network National Sexual Assault Hotline 1 (800) 656-HOPE (4613) www.rainn.org
National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC) The NSVRC provides people with the resources they need to address and prevent sexual violence. Additionally, the organization has an extensive library and virtual information bank of statistics, research, information and speakers on a variety of relevant topics.1 (877) 739-3895 www.nsvrc.org
The Anti-Violence Project – Serves the LGBTQ community
Hotline: 212-714-1124 w
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Strong Hearts Native Helpline
1-844-7NATIVE
Love is Respect: 1-866-331-9474
Love is Respect is the national resource to disrupt and prevent unhealthy relationships and intimate partner violence by empowering young people through inclusive and equitable education, support, and resources.
Helping Survivors of Abuse and Assault
Our mission is to assist anyone who has been victimized by sexual assault or abuse. Our website is a compilation of information about different instances of sexual violence. We offer resources to assist survivors and their families.
Drug Rehab USA- Substance Abuse Treatment Directory
Mission: To reduce the impact of substance abuse by helping people locate proper addiction treatment and provide accurate recovery information.
Jackson
The Community Safety Network (CSN)
*CSN provides a refuge for people affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Jackson, Wyoming.
24/7 helpline 307-733-HELP (7233)
CLIMB Wyoming
* Job training, job placement and counseling for low-income, single mothers
307-733-4088
Community Children’s Project
* Childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 8 years
* Scholarships and inclusion of children during crisis
307-733-5346
Community Entry Services
* Services for people with developmental disabilities and brain injuries
307-733-7637
Community Resource Center
* Emergency assistance for individuals and families in crisis
307-739-4500
Curran-Seeley Foundation
* Substance abuse treatment and prevention services
* Violence Prevention Program for abusers
307-733-3908
El Puente
* Medical translation and interpretation services
307-739-4544
Hirschfield Center for Children
* Prevention and intervention services for children and families experiencing child abuse/neglect
* Child forensic interviews, therapy, outreach and education
* Family Advocate Program for families experiencing violence in the home
307-733-7946
JH Community Counseling Center
* Individual, child, and family counseling provided on a sliding fee scale
* Mountain House drop-in center for adults with serious mental illness
* 24-hour emergency mental health support, suicide prevention
307-733-2046
Teton County Public Health
* Nursing services for maternal, child, and family services
* Immunizations and parenting support
* Testing for pregnancy, HIV, and TB
307-733-6401
Teton County Victim Services
* Advocacy and support for victims of crime
307-732-8482
Van Vleck House
* Group home and crisis shelter for youth ages 10-18
307-733-6440
Wyoming Department of Family Services, Jackson office
* Investigation of child abuse and neglect
* Economic assistance programs based on eligibility
307-733-7757
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