Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and Allies
Graphic by April James
Content warning: mentions of sexual assault and rape
Sexual assault is one of the most traumatic things an individual may experience, made all the more difficult by rape culture and the stigma against survivors embedded in our society. Because of this toxic culture surrounding sexual violence, it can be hard for survivors to reach out for support.
Neverthless, there are countless resources for victims and survivors of sexual assault, resources we should all be aware of so that we can can more easily advocate for others and ourselves. While reaching out for help can be difficult and intimidating, seeking help can make all the difference. Here are a number of different resources for victims and survivors of sexual violence.
Hotlines
National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained, confidential staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area.
SARC: SARC’s 24-hour anonymous, confidential, free support line offers a safe place for survivors and their loved ones to get immediate support in the ways they need. They also have counseling programs based in Oregon.
Domestic violence hotline: Free, confidential, 24/7 call and chat systems. 1.800.799.7233
National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: Confidential text, chat and call systems. Text: LOVEIS to 22522, call 1.866.331.9474. Live chat available on website.
WEAVE Crisis Intervention For Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking/Sexual Assault: All WEAVE services can be accessed by calling the Support and Information Line. The 24-Hour Support and Information Line offers immediate intervention and support by trained peer counselors. Help is available in over 23 languages. Number: (916)-920-2952
Legal
Womenslaw.org: Information about restraining orders and other legal protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
The Laws in Your State: A database of state laws including mandatory reporting, confidentiality laws, HIV/AIDS testing of sexual offenders, termination of rapists' parental rights, and statutes of limitations for each state.
Attorney Referral Line: Refers callers to attorneys in their geographic area who can represent them in their pursuit of civil claims and victim restitution. The referral line is not an anonymous service. Their website also gives information about civil lawsuits. Phone: 202.467.8716
Take Back The Night Foundation: Legal support for survivors in every state. Referrals to counseling, support, legal aid, hospitals, and nearest TBTN Event Holders. Hotline: 866.966.9013
It Happened to Alexa Foundation: The 'It Happened to Alexa Foundation’ supports rape survivors through the trauma of the criminal trial, in the hopes that more survivors will go through with the prosecution in order to put these perpetrators behind bars.
Queer Resources
The Trevor Project: LGBTQ+ suicide crisis line, text and chat, available 24/7.
LGBT National Youth Hotline (GLBT): Free and confidential peer support for the LGBT+ and questioning community ages 25 and younger. GLBT also has an all ages national LGBT+ hotline.
Advocacy Resources for Allies
PAVE: Sexual violence awareness, advocacy and vicitm empowerment organization. Multiple programs for youth and all-ages to be involved in as advocates and allies.
Youth Against Sexual Violence: A national youth-led advocacy organization. Advocates against sexual violence through various initiatives and campaigns, like working with legislators on forward-thinking policy that helps survivors, reforming education by holding consent workshops, changing sexual harassment policies, creating survivor support groups and more, at the high school and college levels, and fundraising on behalf of victims and women’s shelters.
College Students
NotAlone.gov: A government website dedicated to educating students and schools about Title IX and sexual assault.
Know Your IX: Provides information for students about their Title IX rights in regards to ending sexual violence on campus.
End Rape on Campus: An advocacy organization dedicated to assisting students file Title IX complaints.
Written by Aarna Dixit
