Sexual assault support
You're believed. You have options. We're here whenever you're ready.
If you've been sexually assaulted, you can call HELPline at 256-716-1000, 24 hours a day. You don't have to decide anything before you call. You can ask questions, talk through what happened, or just have someone listen.
If the assault was recent
Some options are easier to keep open when you act soon. If you're thinking about a forensic nurse examiner exam or considering a report to law enforcement, it helps to wait before bathing, showering, changing clothes, eating, drinking, using mouthwash, brushing your teeth, or using the restroom. If you've already done any of these things, please still call. It doesn't take your options away, and we can talk through what's still possible.
What you can access
Crisis counseling and emotional support. You can talk to someone once, come back weekly, or reach out again years from now. It's yours to shape.
A trained advocate with you during a forensic nurse examiner exam. Our forensic nurse examiners work in a private, confidential exam room, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you're admitted to a hospital, the nurse will come to you there.
An advocate with you when you file a police report. You don't need to report to receive support from Crisis Services. If you decide to report, an advocate can be there with you.
Court advocacy. If your case moves through the legal system, someone from Crisis Services can walk through it with you.
A weekly support group for adult survivors of any gender. The group is facilitated and confidential, and it's open to anyone eighteen or older.
Support for the people around you. With your permission, our advocates can talk with the family members or friends who came with you and help them understand what you might be experiencing.
An information packet. It covers the legal process, medical questions, and what you might feel in the days and weeks ahead. You can read it when you're ready, or not at all.
Who we're here for
Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Advocates are here for you whether the assault was recent or years ago, whether you want to prosecute or not, and whether you're the survivor or someone close to a survivor. Family members, partners, and friends can call too.
Ready to talk?
Call HELPline at 256-716-1000 and ask to speak with a Sexual Assault Response Advocate. The line is answered 24 hours a day. HELPline is a phone line only, so it can't receive texts.