“I was sexually assaulted. What are my options?”

If the assault was recent:

Everyone handles a crisis differently but your safety, physical, and emotional well-being are the first concerns. If the assault just happened, try to get to a safe place where you do not feel at risk of further danger. If you still feel unsafe, you can call 911 to connect with law enforcement.

When someone is sexually assaulted, the first instinct is often to bathe/shower. However, for the sake of evidence collection, it is best to not bathe until after undergoing a forensic medical examination at your local hospital’s emergency room.

You may choose to go to the hospital.

Going to the hospital for an exam can help identify any injuries, protect you from STIs, and address pregnancy concerns. You can choose to have evidence collected by medical staff within 7 days of the assault. Even if you have bathed, they may still recover evidence and they can evaluate any injuries to determine what follow-up care may be needed. You do not need to speak to the police if you seek medical care for an assault.

Medical treatment and evidence collection following a sexual assault can be provided at hospital emergency departments. Both Kankakee hospitals have staff with specialized training in treating survivors of sexual assault – SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners). A SANE’s expertise offers survivors many benefits. If you or a loved one is trying to decide where to seek care, please keep this in mind. It is also important to know that having an evidence collection kit done or not is your choice and an advocate can review all available options with you. There is also no cost to you for this initial emergency room visit or any of the services you may get in the ER.  The hospital will bill SASETA (Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act) directly for the cost of the exam. If you receive a bill, please contact our advocacy department for assistance resolving the issue.

A Clove Alliance advocate will come to the hospital to support you. They can provide you with information, options, and support but you do not have to talk with them.

You may choose to call the police.

Reporting sexual abuse or assault to the police is an individual choice for adult survivors. You can contact your local police department by calling “911” or going to a police station to make a report. A Clove Alliance advocate can meet you at the station during normal business hours to support you through the process.

Law enforcement decides whether to investigate or prosecute crimes and can do so with or without a victim’s report or cooperation. An advocate can explain your legal rights and options.

You may choose to call Clove Alliance.

Remember, you are not alone! Our advocates will meet you at the hospital, or police station, or will just listen if you need someone to talk to. No matter when the assault happened, we will tell you about your options so you can make informed choices. Do not hesitate to call our 24-hour crisis hotline to speak with an advocate—just dial 815.932.3322. We can talk you through what you can expect from a medical exam or the initial police report and tell you all of the available options. The advocate can also connect you with our follow-up services, which can include counseling and legal advocacy.

If the assault was not recent:

It is never too late to get support and talk about what happened. Our Advocates can help you understand your legal options and accompany you to local emergency rooms to be screened for injuries, STIs, and pregnancy. Our counselors are available regardless of when the assault or abuse occurred. Call our 24-hour crisis hotline to speak with an advocate today—just dial 815.932.3322.