Sexual Health

NYS Hotline for Sexual Assault & Domestic Abuse: 800-942-6906. 

RAINN’s (rape, abuse & incest national network) National Sexual Assault Hotline offers support for survivors of sexual assault anywhere in the nation, college campuses and beyond. 800-656-HOPE (4673), Online Chat (English),  Online Chat (Español)

National Sexual Violence Resource Center provides a wide range of information on sexual assault for victims, family members, and more.
 Directory of organizations:

• Mental health resources for black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) survivors
• Trauma exploration blog
• Guide for family and friends of survivors

• Sexual violence is common. Over half of women and almost 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact during their lifetimes. One in 4 women and about 1 in 26 men have experienced completed or attempted rape. About 1 in 9 men were made to penetrate someone during his lifetime. Additionally, 1 in 3 women and about 1 in 9 men experienced sexual harassment in a public place.
• Sexual violence starts early. More than 4 in 5 female rape survivors reported that they were first raped before age 25 and almost half were first raped as a minor (i.e., before age 18). Nearly 8 in 10 male rape survivors reported that they were made to penetrate someone before age 25 and about 4 in 10 were first made to penetrate as a minor.
• Sexual violence disproportionately affects some groups. Women and racial and ethnic minority groups experience a higher burden of sexual violence. For example, more than 2 in 5 non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native and non-Hispanic multiracial women were raped in their lifetime.
• Sexual violence is costly. Recent estimates put the lifetime cost of rape at $122,461 per survivor, including medical costs, lost productivity, criminal justice activities, and other costs.
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• To talk to an advocate, contact the NYS Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline: call 800.942.6906, text 844.997.2121 All conversations are confidential, secure and available 24/7 in most languages.

  Deciding whether to report sexual abuse or sexual assault is a personal decision. Not every victim of sexual violence will choose to report their experience. 

  After a sexual assault your body and mind will still be processing the trauma and there is no wrong way to respond. It may feel overwhelming trying to figure out what to do next. Learning about your options can help you decide what’s best for you.

  A forensic rape exam, sometimes referred to as a “rape kit,” is a medical exam given when a sexual assault occurs. SANEs (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) are specifically trained to complete this exam and understand the sensitive nature of a trauma. You can always have an advocate with you and you can stop at any time. The benefit of getting an FRE is that you can take care of your immediate medical needs and collect evidence in case you decide to report the assault now or in the future.

  In order to preserve evidence, it is recommended not to bathe, use the bathroom, clean or change clothes after an assault. With your permission, the following will happen during your exam:

  • Injuries like cuts, scrapes and bruises will be addressed.
  • The SANE will ask you about your medical history.
  • There will be an external and internal examination.
  • The SANE will take blood, hair and urine samples.
  • The SANE may document injuries in writing or with photographs.
  • The SANE will collect evidence such as clothing, stray hairs and DNA evidence.
  • You will be offered treatments for STIs and pregnancy.

  You can stop the exam at any time or refuse any part of the exam at any time.

  What if I already showered and washed away evidence?

  Many survivors instinctively bathe, use the bathroom, clean and change after an assault. If you’ve already done any of these things, you can still get a FRE. A SANE will still be able to treat your injuries, offer preventative care, talk about your options and collect any remaining evidence.

  Do I have to report it to the police?

  No. Unless you are a minor, a medical professional cannot report a sexual assault without your consent. The evidence collected during the FRE will only be used if you decide to file a report. An advocate can help go over your options to determine if reporting is right for you.

  How much will it cost?

  New York State law requires medical providers to discuss all billing options with survivors. A survivor may choose to go through their insurance. Another option is for the medical provider to bill the NYS Office of Victim Services directly for reimbursement. This will cost the survivor nothing. An advocate can help you walk through the process.

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Emotional and verbal abuse includes insults and attempts to scare, isolate, or control you.

Physical abuse is intentional bodily injury

The behavior includes abusive tactics, threats, and actions that may or may not rise to the level of criminal behavior. The victim may experience acts or threats of physical or sexual violence, as well as intimidation, humiliation, isolation, verbal abuse, and economic control. Domestic violence can affect people of any gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, nationality, socio-economic status, age, or religion.

Resources: National Ten Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474, National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE (7233)