VOCA helps victims deal with the tangible costs of surviving a crime, such as medical bills, counseling services, and lost wages.
All survivors respond differently to sharing their experience publicly, and testifying in court is no exception.
Movies and TV shows that show sexual assault, incest, and child sexual abuse can be very difficult for survivors to watch.
Whether it happened recently or years ago, self care can help you cope with the short- and long-term effects of a trauma like sexual assault.
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.
Understanding how to report and learning more about the experience can take away some of the unknowns and help you feel more prepared.
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.