Cleveland Rape Crisis CenterAdvocacy & activism can end sexual violence.
Your Rights as a Survivor at a Hospital

Your Rights as a Survivor at a Hospital


You have the RIGHT to:

  • be offered an advocate from Cleveland Rape Crisis Center.  (Call 216-619-6192 if one is not offered to you.)
  • be questioned and treated in a private area.
  • have an additional support person (in addition to the advocate) present during the interview and/or forensic exam.
  • refuse to speak with law enforcement if they arrive at the hospital.
  • refuse any part of the forensic exam.
  • have each step of the exam explained to you before it is performed.
  • have the exam paid for by The Ohio Attorney General's Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Program.
  • apply for additional compensation through The Ohio Crime Victims Compensation Act.



To request a CRCC hospital advocate, call the 24-hour hotline at 216-619-6192.