Quick Links: Overview Domestic Violence Services for Victims Sexual Assault Response Child Advocacy Center - Vantage Point Violence Response Councils Time Out Abuser Intervention Services Sexual Assault Response What is Sexual Assault? Sexual assault is a crime of violence and it has nothing to do with sex. It is a crime committed to inflict violence and humiliation on the victim, or to exert power and control over the victim and his/her body. Sexual assault can happen to anyone, anytime, in any place. Sexual Assault is a broad category that includes any sexual behavior against another person that is forced, coerced or manipulated, such as: rape, child molestation, incest, same-sex assault. It does not have to involve the use of a weapon. Perpetrators of sexual assault may be friends, family members, acquaintances, significant others, marital partners, strangers or people in positions of power. Victims of rape may experience an increased vulnerability, sleeping and eating disturbances, fear, depression, anxiety, shame, guilt and embarrassment. Some victims may believe that the rape is their fault and may be reluctant to disclose their victimization with family or friends. However, with effective crisis intervention, the victim can become a survivor with a greater awareness of self and an increased self-esteem. Where to find Help Family Services provides assistance in a variety of areas to help you in your recovery. Whether you were assaulted minutes ago, days ago or years ago, we are here to help you put the pieces back together. Call us on our Sexual Assault Crisis Line (336) 722-4457, answered 24 hours, or the general Family Services, Inc., line (336) 722-8173. What Should I Do If I've Been Sexually Assaulted? Get to a safe place and calla the police or the 24-hour Sexual Assault Crisis Line at (336) 722-4457 If there is any chance you want to report the incident to the police, do not shower or bathe, eat or drink, change clothes or straighten up the area until evidence can be collected. You can later decide whether to prosecute, but once the evidence is lost, it can never be recovered. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is important that you receive treatment for injuries, prevention of STD's and pregnancy. Family Services and Forsyth Medical Center's Emergency Department will provide a timely, compassionate response for victims 12 and older. Anyone younger than 12 should go to the Wake Forest Baptist Hospital Emergency Department. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, using state-of-art equipment, will collect forensic evidence that may be necessary for prosecution. A trained victim advocate will meet you at the hospital to assist and support you through this process. If you suspect you may have been drugged, if you feel dizzy, confused or have other sudden unexplained symptoms, be sure to inform the doctor and forensic nurse at the hospital. You may request a urine test to detect the presence of sedating substances. What Services are Available Advocacy - Counselors can assist you through the legal and court process and assist you in applying for Victim's Crime Compensation. Counseling for the Survivor - Counseling is offered to females and males of all ages. Counseling for Family and Friends - Sometimes people who are close to the victim need someone to talk to as well. Group Counseling - Support groups are available for female survivors. 24-hour Crisis Line - After hours and on weekends, we are here when you need someone to talk to. Sexual Assault Crisis Line (336) 722-4457. Forsyth County Forensic Nurse Examiner Program - Specially trained nurses respond to sexual assault victims that are 12 years or older, male and female. This program provides medical screenings and the collection of forensic evidence Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) - Representative from various community organizations involved with sexual assault victims meet regularly to address ways to improve services to victims. Sexual Assault Statistics A woman is raped every two minutes in the United States 1 in 8 women will be raped in her lifetime Approximately 28% of victims are raped by husbands or boyfriends, 35% by acquaintances and 5% by other relatives. Approximately 1/3 of all juvenile victims of sexual abuse cases are children younger than 6 years of age. Approximately 1/3 of all rape victims develop Rape Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Results Family Services, Inc., in creating the Forsyth County Forensic Nurse Examiners Program, has attained several goals set early on. The efficient, timely and careful treatment of the victim - showing her dignity and compassion - have been our most important achievement. Plus, advocates are far more likely now to convince the victim to seek counseling afterwards, leading her on the road to full recovery. Additionally, the collection of forensic evidence, under which state guidelines, has meant more convictions of offenders. For more information, please call Family Services at (336) 722-8173.