Advocacy Services for Sexual Violence
24 Hour Hotline Services: Providing emotional support, information, and referrals. All our services are confidential, and are available to any survivor of sexual assault, at any part of the healing process.
Hospital Advocacy: An advocate will meet the survivor at the hospital and support them throughout the medical examination.
Court/Police Support: An advocate will provide support throughout the legal process, from initial contact with the police throughout the duration of a case.
Counseling Referrals: Referrals to trauma trained counselors as needed.
Support Groups: We currently offer a peer led sexual violence support group. It is a safe place for survivors to feel supported and share healthy coping skills, in a confidential location. An advocate supports the group but members direct the group: choose the topics discussed, support one another, and share healthy coping skills. Our Sexual Assault Group is held Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30PM. Please call (740) 512-6092 for location and information.
Prevention Education and Community Awareness: Educational programs for all ages are available. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a group that would like information on and prevention of sexual assault.
Hospital Staff
If you are a hospital staff person seeking advocacy for a victim who may be considering a rape kit, we are here to support you. Victim’s of rape are entitled to the presence of a rape crisis advocate for the duration of their rape kit. A trained advocate can present at the ER within 1 hour of the call.
Advocates can bring a change of clothes for the victim, so it can be helpful to provide an approximate size of the patient when making initial contact. You can reach us anytime at (740) 512-6092.
You are not alone. Some things to consider as you navigate life after an assault
- If your assault happened within the last 96 hours consider going to the hospital for a forensic examination. DNA evidence from a crime like sexual assault can be collected from the crime scene, but it can also be collected from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings. You may choose to have a sexual assault forensic exam, sometimes known as a “rape kit,” to preserve possible DNA evidence and receive important medical care. You don’t have to report the crime to have an exam, you can even get the kit done anonymously if you are over the age of 18, but the process gives you the chance to safely store evidence should you decide to report at a later time.
- Should you decide to get a “kit” done, know it is your right to have an advocate present to support you during the exam. You can reach us at 740-512-6092 at any time.
- Do not shower, bathe, douche, change clothing, or apply medication if possible before the exam.
- Remember that under no circumstance is this your fault, that you are not alone, and at any point in your healing process we are here for you.
- Regardless of when your assault happened, whether it’s been moments or years since our services are here to support you. A trained advocate is available 24/7 via our hotline. This service can be accessed anonymously, is free to use and remains confidential.
Support Groups
Our support groups are for any survivor of sexual assault. It is a safe place for survivors to feel supported by others who have experienced sexual violence. Trained facilitators support the group but members direct the group: choose the topics discussed, support one another, and share healthy coping skills. Please don’t hesitate to call us for more information!
Join us: Wednesday – 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Please call us for location, or more information.