Sexual Assault Support Services

775-784-8090 or 1-800-992-5757

What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual Assault is any unwanted, forced, or coerced sexual act. It includes inappropriate sexual contact or fondling, acquaintance rape, date rape, stranger rape, child sexual abuse, and incest. Sexual assault is not about sex — it is a crime of violence where sex is used as a weapon, motivated by the desire to have power and control over the victim. Sexual assault violates not only a person's body but also their sense of safety and control over their life.
NO ONE DESERVES TO BE SEXUALLY ASSAULTED!

Who are the victims of sexual assault?
Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic status, cultural background, religion, marital status, physical or mental ability, gender, or sexual orientation. A person can be assaulted by their spouse. One out of every six women and one out of every thirty-three men will be assaulted in their lifetime. One out of every four girls and one out of every six boys will be assaulted before their 18th birthday.

What if you are assaulted?
If you are a victim of sexual assault, consider doing the following:

• Go to a safe place.

• Get medical care. Immediate medical care is vital. You may not be aware of injuries you have received, and you should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. You can receive medical care at any hospital emergency room. However, if there is a chance that you may report the assault to law enforcement, please go to Northern Nevada Medical Center at 2375 E. Prater Way in Sparks.
• You can be tested for sexually transmitted diseases at the Washoe County Health Department or Planned Parenthood. You do not have to file a police report to receive medical treatment. Nevada law requires the county in which the crime occurred pay for initial medical costs for victims of sexual assault. Ask the hospital to call a SASS team advocate. They can discuss your options and help you with referrals for additional services.

• Call a supportive person, a friend or relative, or Crisis Call Center. You can call the Center’s crisis lines 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 775.784.8090 or 1-800-992-5757.

To report or not to report . . .
Reporting the sexual assault to law enforcement is the survivor's choice. We encourage survivors to report the crime; however, a victim’s decision should always be respected and supported, whether or not they choose to file a police report.
If you are assaulted and you are considering filing a police report, please try to follow these guidelines to preserve evidence:
*DO NOT BATHE OR DOUCHE.
*DO NOT CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES.
*DO NOT BRUSH YOUR TEETH OR USE MOUTHWASH.
*DO NOT USE THE BATHROOM.
*DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING.
*DO NOT APPLY ANY MEDICATION.
*DO NOT DISTURB OR CLEAN UP THE CRIME SCENE.
Forensic examinations for collecting physical evidence can be conducted up to seven (7) days after an assault has occurred.  You can still report the crime and have a forensic examination during this time period even if you have cleaned up. 

A Note To Survivors
You have been through a traumatic experience. It is important for you to know that no matter what the circumstances of the assault were, it was not your fault. Victims of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and incest are not to blame. Only the perpetrator is at fault.
You may experience many different feelings and emotions after the assault. The trauma of an assault does not end when the act of violence is over. Each of us responds to crisis in our own way, and no reaction is "wrong" or "crazy". Common feelings include fear, guilt, shame and anger. Some people will experience depression, flashbacks, anxiety, troubled sleeping and/or eating patterns, and problems re-establishing sexual relationships. Many survivors re-experience some of these feelings or problems months or years after the assault. Your reactions are unique to you. Others may tell you how you should feel, and when you should feel "better" or what you should do to help yourself, but you are an individual, and you are entitled to your own feelings and reactions. It is important to allow your feelings to surface following the assault. Sexual Assault Support Services volunteers can help you access information on victims’ compensation programs; long term counseling and other services that may help you rebuild your life.

Important Phone Numbers