It is estimated that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experience some form of sexual violence at some point in their lifetime. Here are some things to know about what you can do if you or your loved one has experienced sexual violence.
You have options after a sexual assault. You have the right to choose which one is the best one for you. If you would like to speak with someone directly about your choices please do not hesitate to call us at 317-739-4456.
You can go to the nearest Emergency Department and have a forensic medical exam performed by a trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE). SANE’s are located at ASSIST Indiana (starting spring 2022), St. Francis, Community South, Major Hospital and Columbus Regional hospital. The SANE nurse will talk with you about what the exam consists and you have the choice to do the full exam or only do portions that you feel safe and comfortable with. Exams are done only if the sexual assault occurred within the last 5 days.
You may contact your local law enforcement department and make a report. You have options with the type of report you would like to make. You can have them take a report but not file it with the local prosecutor’s office. They will hold onto this report for up to one year and if at some point you change your mind within that timeframe you can ask them to submit it. You can have them take the full report and submit it with the prosecutor’s office at the end of their investigation.
You have the right to have a Victim Advocate present with you during an exam and law enforcement interview (if that is the route you choose to go). We have Victim Advocates available 24/7 to walk you through the process and support you. Please call 317-739-4456 and press option 7 if it is after business hours to reach our on-call Victim Advocate.
You have the choice to start your journey of healing through therapy and support groups even if you choose to not have a forensic exam and/or file a police report. All of our services are free and optional.