Understanding a few key aspects of the criminal justice system can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
Preserving DNA evidence is a key tool for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes of sexual violence.
All survivors respond differently to sharing their experience publicly, and testifying in court is no exception.
You may only interact with law enforcement when you report, or they might ask you to stay involved with the investigation over a length of time.
Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
The overwhelming backlog of DNA evidence is currently one of the biggest obstacles to prosecuting perpetrators of sexual violence.
During a sexual assault forensic exam, a trained healthcare professional can collect DNA evidence from your body, clothes, and other personal belongings.
If you decide to report the crime and work with law enforcement, you may be able to access financial compensation from a state agency to help cover some of the costs associated with the crime.
After sexual assault, a medical exam can check for help check for injuries, even those you may not be able to see.
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 established passenger rights to increase safety for travelers on cruise ships. Learning about these rights before you board may help you feel more secure, and they can help you speak up if something happens.
Whether you travel often or you’re getting ready for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, it’s important to think about safety as part of your travel preparations.
Airport security can be stressful for any traveler, but for some survivors of sexual assault the security screening process is a little more sensitive.
Whether it’s giving someone a safe ride home from a party or diverting a person who is engaging in uncomfortable behavior, anyone can help prevent sexual violence.
Sexual exploitation by a helping professional is a serious violation of your trust and, in many cases, the law.
If someone is pressuring you to engage in sexual activity, it is important to remember that being in this situation is not your fault. Here are some strategies to try.
Sexual assault can take many different forms and be defined in different ways, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the victim’s fault.
You should be able to feel comfortable in your place of work or learning. If you are being sexually harassed, you can report it to the authorities at your job, school, or local law enforcement.