Victims of sexual assault can receive assistance from various agencies, including medical and legal information and attorneys. Online resources are available, but caution is advised. Family and friends can also provide support, and organizations can assist them in helping their loved ones.
There is a large amount of assistance and help available to victims of sexual assault, although the amount available can vary slightly depending on the victim’s location. In general, however, there are a number of agencies to help victims of sexual assault, and these agencies can provide medical and legal information, as well as attorneys who work with and assist victims of sexual assault. Family and friends can also often provide help to victims of sexual assault, especially when they’re willing to figure out what happened and make an effort to actively be helpful.
Help for victims of sexual assault can come in a number of different forms, and the nature of a particular assault may determine some of the help that is immediately relevant. Anyone who is physically injured during a sexual assault should contact medical services immediately for help, often by going to the hospital or having a trusted friend or family member transport the person to the hospital. There are also a number of agencies and groups that provide assistance to victims of sexual assault, including the National Center for Crime Victims (NCVC) and the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN).
These groups can often provide victims of sexual assault with trained and experienced professionals who can help victims in many different ways. Lawyers can be found through such groups who can work with victims to help them through the medical and legal procedures the victim may face. Research has found that more victims are willing to report a sexual assault to law enforcement when assisted by an attorney, and that such reports are often made with greater confidence and a stronger sense of protection due to the attorney. Reporting a sexual assault can lead to a lot of stress and discomfort; having an attorney to help can often make the process easier.
There are also a number of groups and organizations that exist on the internet to provide help to victims of sexual assault. These include An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection (AARDVARC), Pandora’s Project, and websites for RAINN and NCVC. However, caution should be exercised when seeking help online for victims of sexual assault, as the anonymity of the Internet can create opportunities for further online abuse or harassment.
Family members and friends of sexual assault victims can also be vital sources of help in the aftermath of an assault. Feelings of helplessness and loss of control can be common after such an assault, and isolation can make these feelings more intense. The family and friends of an attacked person should try to understand the victim’s needs and allow that person to feel comfortable and safe whenever possible. Many groups, such as RAINN and NCVC, can also provide assistance to friends and family to help them figure out how to better help their loved ones.
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