Important Information if you are a Survivor of Sexual Assault

Please remember the assault was not your fault. The Cleveland Rape Crisis Center supports you in how you choose to handle this situation. We offer you support to make the best decisions for yourself. The following are a few things to keep in mind: 

• If you are not already in a safe place, find one as quickly as possible. If you are unable to do so, contact 911.
• If you are in need of medical attention, get to the nearest emergency department or contact 911.
• You can be seen at any emergency department to have a medical examination and/or to have any potential evidence collected.
• The medical examination will check for any injuries (seen or unseen) and will also include treatment for possible sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy prevention.
• Evidence should be collected within 96 hours of the assault
• Cuyahoga County has several specialized units staffed 24/7 by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) who have received extensive training in this issue. To find out which unit is most convenient for you, please contact the CRCC 24-Hour Hotline at 216-619-6192.
• There is a possibility that your clothing will be collected by the hospital as evidence. It may be helpful to bring a change of clothing with you.
• Advocates from the CRCC are available to go to the emergency department to support you and can be reached through hospital staff contacting the Hotline.

Click here for more information about CRCC's hospital advocacy services.

If you are considering pressing charges, try to preserve any potential evidence for law enforcement.  To press charges, you will need to contact the police in the city where the offense occurred.

Click here for more information about CRCC's justice system advocacy services.