For Victims & Survivors

Statewide Hotlines

If you call the statewide hotline, you will be connected to the sexual assault crisis center nearest you. Counselors and advocates are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to listen and offer support. They can provide you with information and resources to help you best decide what to do next. Advocates can accompany you at hospitals, police departments and courts—if you so choose. You do not have to go through this alone.

All direct services are free and confidential. They are available to all survivors in Connecticut—regardless of age, sex, immigration status, race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or religious or spiritual beliefs.

Find Your Member Center

The most important thing to know is that the assault was not your fault.

After an Assault

Go to a place that makes you feel safe. Contact someone you can trust, like a friend or family member.

Try to preserve evidence. If you think you might want to have an exam done or report the crime to the police, do not shower, douche, eat, brush your teeth, smoke, urinate, or wash your clothes.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Medical professionals can treat any injuries you may have, protect you against sexually transmitted infections, and address concerns about pregnancy.

Knowing Your Rights

You have the right to be treated with respect and dignity. You have the right not to be judged based on your race, age, class, gender or sexual orientation. You have the right to be considered a victim or survivor of sexual assault, regardless of the offender’s relationship to you.

You have the right to privacy. This means you can refuse to answer any questions about the sexual assault, your sexual orientation, your sexual history, your medical history (including your HIV status) and your mental health history.

You have the right to request that someone you are comfortable with stay with you in the examination room. You have the right to have a sexual assault counselor or advocate accompany you to medical, law enforcement and legal proceedings. You have the right to have your conversations with a sexual assault counselor or advocate remain confidential.

You have the right to decide whether or not you want to report the assault to the police. You have the right to ask questions and get answers regarding any tests, exams, medications, treatments or police reports.
Learn More

Experiencing Emotions

As a victim of sexual assault, you may feel some of these emotions: anger, fear, guilt, loss of control, powerlessness, embarrassment, depression, isolation, denial, shame, disbelief, self-blame, or emotional shock. It is normal to experience these feelings and more. Each survivor of sexual assault responds differently. Your emotions are valid. You are not alone. You are not to blame for what happened.

Reporting to the Police

In most circumstances, if you are an adult in the state of Connecticut, reporting the crime to the police is your choice. If you are considering making a report to police, seek medical attention at an emergency room for an examination and evidence collection as soon as possible after the assault.

The state will pay for the exam and evidence collection. Try not to bathe, shower, change your clothes, eat, drink, smoke, gargle, brush your teeth, or urinate prior to the exam. Bring a change of clothes with you. The clothes worn during the examination may not be returned, since they will be processed as evidence.

You have the right to have a sexual assault counselor or advocate with you during your medical exam. You can file a report with the police following the exam or have your evidence held anonymously while you decide what is best for you.

Victim Compensation Program

You may be eligible to receive compensation for some of the expenses you incurred as a direct result of a sexual assault: lost wages, medical costs, private counseling expenses, and more. Connecticut’s Office of Victim Services has caring, compassionate and knowledgeable staff that can help you through the OVS Victim Compensation Program process.

They can be reached at 1-888-286-7347.

Learn More

Address Confidentiality Program

The Address Confidentiality Program (ACP), formerly known as the Safe at Home program, is available for Connecticut residents who are or have been victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking. ACP provides a free mail-forwarding service to keep new addresses safe and private. Learn more about the program and whether or not it is right for you. Contact your local member center to schedule a meeting with a victim advocate. They will discuss the program’s benefits and limitations, help you develop a safety plan, and assist with the application process.