If YOU HAVE BEEN ASSAULTED:

• GO TO A SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY!!!
   

• Call your local law enforcement—they will “respond” to where you are and take a report.

  • Your local law enforcement will call your local rape crisis center.

  • Your local law enforcement will transport you to the hospital, if needed.

  • Your local law enforcement will authorize a “rape kit” to be performed.

  • Your local enforcement will authorize payment for all hospital bills related to sexual assault.

OR

• Go to the nearest hospital.

  • The hospital will call your local law enforcement, local crisis center, and the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (S.A.F.E.) nurse.

  • If there are injuries sustained other than the sexual assault, the hospital will treat these injuries (A VICTIM MAY WAIVE A MEDICAL EXAM).

  • Once you are “cleared” from the “non sexual assault injuries”, the victim will be taken to the “SAFE room” and the SAFE nurse will perform a forensic examination (rape kit can only be approved by local enforcement).

OR

• Call your local rape crisis center and speak with an advocate – we will help you to begin the process of healing – our advocates are here FOR YOU - even if the rape happened a long time ago.
   

  • FRESNO – 559-497-2900

  • FIREBAUGH - 559-659-0232

  • COALINGA - 559-934-0915

  • 24-HR CRISIS LINE - 559-222-7273
     

YOUR LOCAL RAPE CRISIS CENTER ADVOCATE WILL GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS…

***IT IS YOUR CHOICE IF YOU WANT TO REPORT TO YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. IF YOU CHOOSE TO REPORT AT A LATER TIME, THERE MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO PROSECUTE.

RAPE IS A TERRIBLE CRIME, BUT…
IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!!!!

You have the right to…

• Have a friend, family member, or a sexual assault advocate present with you while talking with the police.

• Have an advocate present with you during the rape exam.

• Be treated with respect, dignity, and courtesy.

• File a police report and receive services, no matter what your relationship is with the assailant/perpetrator.

• Not be judged because of your race, age, class, gender, sexual orientation, or language.

• Privacy when meeting with a counselor or a police officer.

• Understand all forms you are asked to sign.

• Ask questions and receive answers about any procedures, examinations, reports, etc.

• Be told of any necessary follow-up needed.

• Voice complaints and expect to have them heard.