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Directory of Sexual Assault Related Resources, Referrals, and Informational Links.
Directory of sexual assault resources, referrals, and informational links. This will eventually be paired with a currently incomplete dispatch.Suicide/Self-Harm
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Provides crisis suicide intervention, self-harm counseling and assistance, and local mental health referrals. Calls are routed to local centers. Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK(8255) and for the Spanish line call 1-888-628-9454. TTY:1-800-799-4TTY(4889).
Veteran’s Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support. Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1,TTY: 1-800-273-4889, International 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118.
American Association of Poison Control Centers: Routes callers to their state-assigned Poison Control Center. For individuals who have questions about substance or pill ingestion, including taking too much medication, the wrong medication, or a combination of medications. Phone: 1-800-222-1222.
Befrienders Worldwide (Suicide): A site that provides hotline numbers, member center information, and general information about suicide.
Local Resources
Local Sexual Assault Service Provider (SASP): A Local Sexual Assault Service Provider is best described as a local center in which they offer support to those affected by current, recent, or past sexual assault through a variety of services. For example, victim advocacy, counseling, hospital accompaniment, and more at a low to no cost. To find out more about your local center, please visit: centers.rainn.org
National Resources(United States)
Legal
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. Telephone: (202) 467-8716 or (844) 529-4357 (you can leave a message and they will return it in 1-3 business days) 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Online Reporting Options: The United States Department of Justice Action Center. This web page has instructions for reporting instances of violent crime, child pornography/child sexual exploitation and human trafficking. This includes the FBI online crime tip form, which is not anonymous and asks for personal information.
Lawhelp.org: Law Help is a website that offers services in English and Spanish to help you find free legal help through programs, information and forms for your state or territory in the USA.
Finding the Right Legal Service: USA.gov is a website that helps users to find adequate services, lawyers, and different payment types. Also, it helps users find free legal help from students certified in any Law faculty. Students are supervised by a lawyer.
Parents for Megan's Law: Parents for Megan's Law & the Crime Victims Center's hotline is to assist and provide advocacy to communities in accessing information about registered sex offenders, to assist in effectively and responsibly managing Megan's Law notifications and to educate about sexual assault prevention. Provides crime victim referrals for victim services and law enforcement referrals. Hotline: 1-888-ASK-PFML (1-888-275-7365)
Womenslaw.org: Information about restraining orders and other legal protections for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
VictimConnect: Resource Center is a place for crime victims to learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately. Hotline: Available 9am to 6pm EST, Monday through Friday at 1-855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846).
Tahirih Justice Center: Protects immigrant women and girls who are victims of gender-based violence and persecution. Their model combines legal services and social services case management with public policy, training and education.
Medical Health
Centers for Disease Control: U.S. reference, referral, and distribution service for information on HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Center For Disease Control National Prevention Information Network: 1-800-458-5231.
Healthcare Center Directory: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains this Healthcare Center Directory. This directory lists federally funded health centers that provide a variety of services even if the recipient does not have health insurance. Users pay a co-payment based on their income. These health centers generally provide primary care services. 1-877-464-4772 Available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m ET
National Institute of Health Medline Plus: This website helps you find a Heath Care Service or Doctor that fits your needs and requirements (insurance, hours, type of service, location). It also provides resources and research information.
IAFN SANE Directory: The International Association of Forensic Nurses maintains the most complete list of SANE and forensic nursing programs by country.
Mental Health
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Locator: Also known as, the Treatment Referral Routing Service, this Helpline provides 24-hour free and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders, prevention, and recovery in English and Spanish. Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY: 1-800-487-4889.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI provides information and referral services, not counseling. Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).
National Eating Disorder Helpline Information: Crisis and referral hotline for people dealing with eating disorders. Note: The chat line is not an anonymous service and some personal information may be collected and used if the caller is in danger (such as IP addresses or visitors name). If you are concerned about privacy, please review the organization’s policies before using the service. To find a treatment center, click here. National Eating Disorder Hotline: 1-800-931-2237.
Psychology Today: A directory of mental health specialists. You can search using multiple search criteria and it provides information about the practitioner including their specialties and the types of insurance they accept. The professionals listed have not been formally vetted by Psychology Today or RAINN. Available nationally and in Australia, Canada & the United Kingdom (UK).
The Sidran Institute: Provides information on traumatic stress (including PTSD), dissociative disorders, and co-occuring issues such as addictions, self-injury, and suicidal behaviors.
Substance Abuse Anonymous Groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Family Groups): Free, peer based support network that focuses on recovery through spiritual and community connection.
Minors
Cyber Tipline: Tipline run by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Can be used to communicate information to the authorities about child pornography or child sex trafficking. Tipline: 1-800-843-5678.
New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Tip Form: The following link directs you to the New York State Police's Internet Crimes Against Children Tip Form, it is not anonymous. It can be used for any internet related crime and will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities. Phone: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Darkness to Light: Caller will be connected to a helpline staff member. They provide crisis intervention and referral services to children or people affected by sexual abuse of children. Their website has an exhaustive list of resources including information on how to report child abuse by state. Helpline: 1-866-FOR-LIGHT (367-5444).
Basic Needs
CareerOneStop Centers: Operate in all 50 states and they offer training referrals, career counseling, job listings, and similar employment-related services. Phone: 1 (877) US2-JOBS (1-877-872-5627) / TTY: 1 (877) 889-5627.
Feeding America: This resource maintains a network of over 200 food banks that serve local communities across the country. People can use their locator tool to find the food bank that serves their area.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Programs: The U.S. Department of Agriculture runs the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps), the School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Contact them to find out more information about specific program eligibility requirements.
Crime Victims' Compensation by State: The Office for Victims of Crime's list of agencies provide crime victim services and information throughout the United States. The agencies also coordinate compensation programs that reimburse victims of crime.
Federal Student Aid Gateway: This site provides information about federal student aid programs. The phone hotline and online web chat provide help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), help in making corrections to your Student Aid Report (SAR), information about the process of determining financial need and awarding aid, and information about your federal student loans. Phone: 1-800-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) / TTY: 1-800-730-8913 / Locations without access to an 800 numbers: 1-334-523-2691.
U.S. Department of Education: This site provides information on how to apply for federal student aid, student loan forgiveness, deferring and canceling loans, and defaulted student loans.
National Coalition for the Homeless: Provides resources, including safety planning, for those who are experiencing or facing homelessness.
Homeless Shelter Directory: This directory provides contact information for homeless shelters and homeless service organizations throughout the country.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program: A federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills. The LIHEAP program in your community determines if your household's income qualifies for the program. The LIHEAP program may also require households to meet additional eligibility criteria to receive LIHEAP assistance. To be referred to your local LIHEAP agency, call 1-866-NRG-NEAR (1-866-674-6327)/ TTY: 1-866-367-6228.
Federal Rental Assistance Programs: The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) has rental assistance programs such as Section 8, Public Housing, and Subsidized Housing throughout the country. To be connected to your local housing counseling agency, call 1-800-569-4287 / TTY 1-800-877-8339.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: VA The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) has founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline to ensure that homeless Veterans or Veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The hotline is intended to assist homeless Veterans and their families, VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community. VA 1-877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838) 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
What is Sexual Harassment?: An article on RAINN website with information regarding sexual harassment.
International Resources
List of International Domestic Violence Agencies: A global list of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and women's organizations, plus domestic violence information in over 80 languages.
Canada Voicefound: Canadian organization that provides a variety of information and resources for victims of child sex abuse and sex trafficking including victim support, service providers, and raising awareness about the issue. 24 hour hotline: 1-866-528-7109.
List of International Services for Children Children’s Helpline Worldwide: offers a global list of abuse hotlines, shelters, refuges, crisis centers and children’s advocacy organizations, available in multiple languages.
Australia 1800Respect: National Hotline This organization provides access to counseling delivered by qualified, experienced professionals 24-hours a day, seven days a week. If you are feeling unsafe right NOW, call 000. National Hotline: 1800 737 732.
Scotland The Women's Project: Educational site for women and children who are physically or sexually abused by men. The site aims to raise awareness about the effects of male violence against women, and also has a directory of support services available across Scotland. Business number: 0141 418 0748.
United Kingdom and Ireland The Survivors Trust: Umbrella agency for 135 specialist organizations based in the UK and Ireland that provide support for survivors of rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse. These organizations offer a way to find services such as advocacy and practical support services for survivors. Phone: 0808 801 0818.
Links
Legal
The Laws in Your State: Mandatory reporting, confidentiality laws, HIV/AIDS testing of sexual offenders, termination of rapists' parental rights, rape and sexual assault crime definitions, consent, and Statutes of limitations for each state.
Clergy Center: For Security On Campus: Offers information on how to work with college and university communities to create safer campuses.
General Immigration Information: General information about immigration, services for citizens, non-immigrants, refugees, and information about different types of visas.
Safety Planning
Domestic, Dating, and Intimate Partner Violence: Sample safety plan.
Stalking: Sample safety plan for your home, commute, work or school, and legal options and information.
Child Abuse (Physical and Sexual) Safety Planning: Sample safety plan for kids with information about Childhelp National Abuse Hotline and they can assist them.
Mental Health
Elements of Good Therapy: Discusses many models and types of good therapy to choose from.
Finding the Right Therapist: This link has information and suggestions on how to choose a counselor or therapist.
The Different Types of Mental Health Professionals: There are many types of mental health professionals. It can be hard to determine which mental health professional is right for you and may require some research. Mental Health America provides a listing of types of mental health treatment professionals to help you understand the differences between the services they provide.
Helping a Loved One Find Mental Health Support: This link has information on how to help someone who is interested in therapy.
What Helps During a Flashback?: Provides a definition of a flashback, strategies on how to manage them, and where someone experiencing flashbacks can get help.
PTSD Coach: This site can help you learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma. Note: This site should not be used to diagnose a health condition or to replace medical/mental health treatment.
Coping with and Understanding Post Traumatic Stress: This link can help you understand and build a plan for the stress that can develop following a traumatic event.
Self-Injury Support: Self-Injury Outreach and Support is an Canadian based outreach organization providing current information and helpful resources about self-injury to individuals who self-injure, those who have recovered, as well as their caregivers and families, friends, teachers and health professionals.
Managing an Eating Disorder: This link has information on the different types of eating disorders, who some survivors develop eating disorders, the warning signs, and where to find support for those recovering from an eating disorder.
Managing Effects
Effects of Sexual Assault: This page contains information on the short term and long term effects of sexual violence.
Down Your Drink: This interactive website is designed to help you assess the amount of alcohol you consume, learn how to manage your drinking and adopt a healthier pattern of alcohol use. Note: Users are required to register on the Down Your Drink website to use the tools and resources on the site.
Self-Care for Survivors: Tips on physical and emotional self-care for survivors.
How to Practice Relaxation Techniques: For instructions on how to practice different relaxation techniques visit.
Dental Tips For Survivors: This site shares information on how seeking and experiencing dental care may be difficult for survivors of sexual abuse.
Journaling Therapy: This website provides information about journal therapy, tips for therapeutic journal writing, how it works and journal therapy exercises and prompts.
Reclaiming Sexuality After Rape and Sexual Abuse: Survivors of sexual violence frequently experience difficulties with sex and intimacy. This resource explores how to cope with these experiences and heal from trauma.
Dealing with the Effect of Trauma: This guide explores how to heal from the effects of trauma and offers tips for self-care and seeking long-term help.
Planning Air Travel: Travel Tips for Survivors While there’s no way around security screenings when flying, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is making an effort to be more sensitive to the concerns of survivors. TSA has established a helpline and published a guide to dealing with risk of pat-downs and other security techniques.
Coping with Stress and Sleep: For tips on sleeping when coping with the stresses of a traumatic experience.
Rediscover Restorative Sleep: Rediscover restorative sleeping and dreaming amidst trauma and stress.
Understanding Nightmares: For information on nightmares associated with trauma.
Coping with Nightmares: When trauma follows you into your nightmares.
College Students
ACLU's Student Guide: This guide helps students understand their rights and the schools responsibility when dealing with sexual assault.
Children, Youth, and Teens
What is Abuse? (For Teens): This link can help young people better understand abuse.
Grooming: Provides educational information about grooming along with an example and explanation of the chain of desensitization.
What is Abuse? (For young children and pre-teens): This link can help young people better understand abuse.
What is sexual abuse? (for kids): Can help kids understand what sexual abuse is.
LGBTQ
A Transgender Survivor’s Guide to Accessing Therapy: This guide is designed to help empower transgender individuals to find a therapist and/or help them take the next steps in their healing from sexual abuse/assault.
ACLU - Transgender Know Your Rights!: Find information about transgender rights, participate in blogs, or take action for the cause.
Loved Ones
How to Help a Loved One: Find advice on how to support your loved one.
A Parent's Guide to Cyberbullying: The document is a guide for parents on cyberbullying that includes a definition of the term, along with what parents can do to help their kids and teens. It also gives advice on how the parent may want to respond to their child, emphasizing the importance of listening to their child's perspective.
Information for Parents and Caregivers on Sexual Abuse: This page has links about how to protect a child you care about, how to spot the signs of child abuse, and how to talk to children about sexual abuse.
Disclosing the Sexual Violence to Others: Provides ideas and support with telling others about the assault.
Male Survivors
Sexual Abuse of Males: Provides information about sexual abuse experienced by boys and men.
What About the Boys?: Article about the likely problems that boys who have been sexually abused may face as adults.
Why Male Survivors have Trouble Receiving: Article about the struggles of adult male survivors of child abuse and why relatively few male survivors seek professional help.
Am I going to Become Abusive?: Provides hopeful resources and links to seeking services for men who are concerned or questioning if they are or will become abusive in a non demonizing or judgmental environment.
Male Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Find information and support for men who suffered from sexual assault during childhood.
People With Disabilities
Autism: Recognizing and Preventing Sexual Abuse: Covers how to talk to your child about sexuality, tips for preventing sexual abuse, and recognizing the warning signs of abuse, especially in children with autism since it may manifest different with them.
Abuse of Children with Intellectual Disability: The Arc is the largest national community-based organization advocating for and serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. We encompass all ages and more than 100 different diagnoses including autism, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and various other developmental disabilities. The specific info sheet has information concerning sexual abuse within the intellectual disability community and that includes autism. What are the risks, the signs, and how to help.
Sexual Assault
Types of Sexual Assault: Provides definitions of different types of sexual violence, as well as other kinds of violence that often accompany sexual violence.
Understanding Consent: This link will help you learn more about consent.
Was I Raped?: Provides general definitions of rape and sexual assault and answers to frequently asked questions.
Disclosing the Sexual Violence to Others: Provides ideas and support with telling others about the assault.
What is a Rape Kit/Forensic Exam?: Learn more about forensic exams, or "rape kits".
Importance of DNA Collection: There are ways a forensic exam can help the legal process. You can learn more about DNA collection here.
Incest
What is Incest?: Offers information about what incest is how to identify sexual abuse by a family member.
Child Sexual Abuse
What is Child Sexual Abuse?: Offers general information on what child sexual abuse is and possible warning signs of abuse.
When the Perpetrator is Another Child (audience: adults): Do children sexually abuse other children?
When the Perpetrator is Another Child (audience: youth): This link can help someone understand the different types of sexual abuse that can happen between young people.
Behaviors to Watch for when Adults are with Children: Provides information on spotting or interpreting adult behaviors around children, such as issues with personal space and what to do if you see warning signs.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment in the Work Place (Adult): This site discusses employee rights and how to get in touch with a local EEOC office. It is also provides the time constraints for reporting and additional for more information on policies, rights, and regulations.
Sexual Harassment in the Work Place (Minor): This site discusses the employee rights of minors and howto contact a local EEOC office.
Understanding Sexual Harassment: What is sexual harassment?
Cyber Abuse
Cyber Security Tips: Describes and offers advice about common computer security issues.
Dealing with Cyberbullies: Explanations of cyberbullying and tips on how to protect yourself.
Using Instant Messengers and Chat Rooms Safely: Explains how chat rooms and instant messengers work as well as how to protect yourself when using them.
Staying Safe on Social Networking Sites: Explanations and advice about social networking sites.
Reporting Sexually Explicit "Revenge" Content: If you would like to request that a search engine remove sexually explicit or inappropriate content about you, you can make the request to Google.
Domestic and Dating Violence
Dating Basics: Should We break Up?: If you are concerned about ending a relationship you can learn more about steps you can take to keep you safe.
Healthy Relationships Quiz: Signs of an Abusive Dating Relationship: Learn more about your relationship by taking the healthy relationships quiz.
What is a Domestic Violence Safe House?: Gives a tour of a domestic violence shelter in New York City and discusses what a safe house is and the services provided.
Stalking
What is Stalking?: This link provides information about stalking.