sexual assault

If you are sexually assaulted:

Get to a safe place.  If you do not feel safe and feel that you may still be in danger, call 911.

After an assault, your first instinct will be to clean yourself. It is extremely important that you do not shower, bathe, douche, brush your teeth, wash your hands or change clothes.  If you can avoid it, do not go to the bathroom.  Do not eat, drink or take any medication including Tylenol or aspirin, unless life sustaining.

Seek medical attention. To ensure your health and to help with proper evidence collection, you should be examined immediately after the assault by medical personnel.  It is your right to have a forensic sexual assault exam regardless of your decision to report the crime to the police.  There is no fee to a victim for having this exam.  Brevard County has a Rape Crisis Center staffed with sexual assault nurse examiners and victim advocates ready to assist you.  If you are injured or feel that you may have been drugged, you should go to the Emergency Room.

Remember, sexual assault is a crime of violence and it is not your fault.

The Rape Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and staffed with victim advocates specially trained to assist you with your options and help with coordination of services, information and referrals.  The Rape Hotline number is (321) 784-HELP (4357). 

The police should be called as soon as possible if you want to report the crime.  Reporting attacks is an important part of ending violence and the first step at holding offenders accountable.  There are many programs and services that may be available to you once you report the assault.  Such services include applying for Crime Victim Compensation, Sexual Violence Injunctions, and assistance with the Criminal Justice System. 

Seek further help from someone trained to help rape victims.  Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) is a Brevard county program working in cooperation with the State Attorney's Office to provide free and confidential support and advocacy services to sexual assault victims and their loved ones.

SAVS services include:

• 24-hour Rape Hotline (321) 784-HELP (4357).
• 24-hour Sexual Assault Exam Center
• Crisis intervention and supportive counseling.
• Hospital, law enforcement & court accompaniment.
• Guidance through the criminal justice system
• Crime victim compensation assistance
• Information and referrals for counseling and other community resources
• Special advocacy for child victims
• Support groups for female victims of sexual assault. Call 617-7533
• Rape prevention and education programs
• Advocacy services for non-reporting victims.

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