| HOW TO GET HELP |
This handout is intended to inform you of some options you have after a sexual assault. Please know that whatever you choose to do, the Women's Rape Crisis Center can be there to support you. Please call the Women's Rape Crisis Center at 863-1236 for confidential support and information.
GET EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Being raped or sexually assaulted is a horrific and traumatizing experience. However, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Talk to someone you trust. Tell them what happened and talk about your feelings. Talking to someone you trust is important because it is often your first step in healing. You may want to talk to a friend, family member or rape crisis advocate. Getting emotional support through counseling, therapy, or a support group can assist you in dealing with this trauma and can facilitate the road to recovery and healing. WRCC advocates are available to help you get in touch with a therapist or support group that fits your needs. YOU CAN SURVIVE THIS. The Women's Rape Crisis Center's 24-hour hotline is 863-1236.
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
A medical exam after an assault is recommended to:
Detect and treat injuries;
Discuss the possibility of sexually transmitted infections and
pregnancy and provide treatment;
Discuss your risk of having contracted HIV from the assault, and
possibly offer you HIV prophylaxis;
Discuss the possibility of Rape Drugs and testing;
Gather medical evidence if you choose to report.
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are specially trained female nurses on call 24 hours a day. In order to be effective at collecting evidence of the assault, the medical exam should be done within 72 hours of the assault. It is best NOT to shower, wash your hands, douche, brush your teeth, drink anything, change the clothing you were wearing at the time of the assault, or go to the bathroom before the examination, because this may wash away some of the evidence of the assault. Even if you have done these things, you should still consider seeking medical attention. A WRCC advocate or friend can accompany you through the medical exam if you want.
In Chittenden County, if the assault has happened in the last 72 hours, you may have a medical exam performed at the Emergency Room of Fletcher Allen Health Care. It is also recommended that you receive follow-up medical care two weeks after the initial sexual assault exam (call one of the health centers below to make an appointment). The initial sexual assault exam and two follow-up medical exams can be paid for by the VT Center for Crime Victim Services 1-800-241-1250 x.124 (ask to speak to Ellen Milley, the Sexual Assault Claims Coordinator).
You may reach a SANE by calling the Fletcher Allen Health Care Emergency Department at 847-2434 and asking to speak with a SANE nurse. If it has been more than 72 hours, you can make an appointment at Planned Parenthood of Northern New England at 863-6326, Women's Choice Gynecologic Associates at 863-9001 or the Community Health Center of Burlington at 864-6309.
CONSIDER LEGAL ACTION
If you report a sexual assault in Chittenden County, your case will most likely be handled by the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (CUSI). The detectives at CUSI are trained to handle sexual assault and abuse cases. If you file a report, you will be asked to give a detailed account of the assault, but your report is not a commitment to go to court. The WRCC Legal Advocate is available to answer your questions and help you with the process of reporting to the police. People who meet certain criteria may also be eligible for legal representation as they consider their legal options and/or participate in the prosecution of the offender. WRCC Advocates are also available to accompany and support you to court dates. You can reach the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations at 652-6800.
If you have any questions about your options or would like support, call the WRCC hotline 24 hours a day at 863-1236. We are free, confidential, and safe.