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VICTIM SERVICES

Steps to Take if You or Someone You Know Has Been Sexually Assaulted 

Get help

  • You can call our 24/7 hotline at 203-878-1212​ or toll-free 888-999-5545 to contact an advocate 

  • Get to a safe place if necessary 

  • Call a trusted friend or family member for support 

If you would like to report your assault: ​

  • Go to the nearest hospital if the assault happened within 120 hours

    • If you go to the hospital an advocate should be called, unless that is something that you do not want ​

  • Do not change your clothes or bathe if you wish to get a forensic evidence kit done at the hospital. 

    • the police will be called to the hospital by nursing staff if you wish to also criminally report your assault. ​

  • Call the police if you wish to do a criminal investigation only. 

If you are unsure about whether or not you would like to report the assault:

  • You can go to the hospital for an evidence collection kit. Having a kit done does not obligate you to file charges. Kits are held for 5 years with a control number, allowing you to have more time to decide whether or not filing a police report is the right step for you.

  • Call the Rape Crisis Center to further discuss the different options, explore your fear or anxiety around certain choices, and get more information so that you can make informed decisions about the next step for you.

CRISIS INTERVENTION

This may be a very difficult time for you, you may feel nervous, fearful, guilty, depressed, or confused when trying to navigate the reporting or medical needs process. 
Talking to someone who can help you understand what you have been through may help. The Rape Crisis Center counselors are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Our services are provided by state-certified sexual assault crisis counselors as defined in the CT General Statute 52-149(k). They are there to provide you with:

  • A feeling of support, helping to make clear and informed decisions, and develop a safety or action plan

  • Assistance in navigating the legal and medical systems. 

  • Short-term counseling to develop effective coping skills, improve your level of empowerment and use of support systems.

Know that when you talk with a rape crisis advocate they are mandated, reporters. Meaning that if you are under the age of 18 and are discussing an assault that happened to you the advocate has to report the incident to the Department of Children and Families. The same goes for any legal or medical professionals. 

NAVIGATING THE LEGAL SYSTEM

If you chose to make a statement to the police and press charges against your attacker, you have certain rights under Connecticut state law. Those rights are: 

  • To have your conversations with a counselor remain confidential. Meaning that it will not be used in a court of law without your permission.

  • You do not have to disclose your name, address, or phone number in the courtroom during any proceeding in the prosecution of your case. 

  • You can have your name and address remain confidential from people not involved in the case. This information could only be released only by an order of the court. 

  • You can apply for victim compensation for any injury you have suffered as a result of the crime. The office of victim services provides mental, emotional, and physical restoration for any damages that were done during the crime. 

     

In addition, the Connecticut Constitution provides victims the following rights throughout the criminal justice process:

  • Be treated with fairness and respect.

  • To have your case heard and resolved in a fair and reasonable amount of time.

  • Be reasonably protected from the offender.

  • Receive notification of court proceedings. Whether that is through the court system or your victim advocate. 

  • You can attend the trial and all other court proceedings. 

  • Communicate with the prosecution. 

  • Have the opportunity to support or disagree with any agreement between the prosecutor and the offender, about the charges and sentence, and to make a victim impact statement to the court. 

  • Be given information about the arrest, conviction, sentence, imprisonment, and release of the offender. Through the post-conviction victim advocate. 

 

You can rely upon your rape crisis counselor for support throughout the prosecution of your case. â€‹

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