Seeking Help
SEEKING HELP
WE WILL LISTEN. WE WILL BELIEVE.
MUNCIE OFFICE
765-747-9107
RICHMOND OFFICE
765-966-0538
CRISIS SUPPORT
765-288-HELP
SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE
CALL 988
Go to a safe place
Your safety is top priority. If you are in danger or need medical care, call 911. If you need to call a trusted friend or loved one for support and comfort, do so. Both physical safety and emotional safety are important during this time.
Call the police
You may contact the police to file a police report. By filing a police report, you will be creating a formal, legal record of the crime that was committed against you. If the police are called to the scene, you are under no obligation to file a formal report.
Call a service provider
If there is a sexual assault service provider in your area, they will be able to assist you and answer any questions you may have about your options. You may speak with an advocate anonymously to receive information.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). Even though this call is free, it may appear on your phone bill. If you think that the person who sexually assaulted you may check your phone bill, try to call from a friend’s phone or a public phone.
Receive medical attention
You may not think medical care is necessary if you don’t have any visible injuries, but it’s important that you receive care for possible internal injuries, sexually transmitted infections, or pregnancy. By going to the hospital, you can also receive a medical forensic exam (often referred to as a “rape kit”) which will aid in the collection and preservation of physical evidence as a result of the assault.
Do not…
Wash, eat, drink, use the toilet, or douche because evidence could be destroyed; going straight to the hospital helps preserve evidence of the crime. Take a change of clothes with you to the hospital, if possible.
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can consent to a medical examination and the collection of evidence and still withhold consent to release the evidence to the police. If you later decide to file a police report and participate in the prosecution of your assailant, you can give your consent at that time to release the evidence to the police.
COST: The cost of a medical forensic exam is covered by the state of Indiana through Crime Victims Compensation. It is against state and federal law (VAWA Reauthorization 2013) for a victim to pay any out-of-pocket costs for a forensic medical exam.