Sexual Assault Victim Resource Page
Many of the cases handled by the personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC have helped victims find justice and financial compensation for their damages.
If you are a survivor, contact our sexual injury lawyers today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form.
All sensitive or confidential information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship. We can provide a confidential setting to hear your story.
Sexual assault victims often must face several issues in the immediate aftermath of the assault, and many do not know where they can get the necessary support. Unfortunately, there is also a shortage of information and the right resources to which sexual abuse victims can turn for help.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence refers to a wide array of unwanted sexual behaviors and sexual acts that are forced upon someone. In cases of sexual violence, the assault is performed for the pleasure of one person as the other partner involved in it is forced against their wishes to participate in inappropriate sexual activity.
Coercion and outright violence are used in cases of sexual abuse to ensure the participation of the person who does not want to get involved in the act.
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault involves a wide range of unwanted sexual behaviors that a person often perpetrates on other using force. Most incidents of sexual violence involve sexual abuse in one form or another.
Innocent people who cannot give consent due to their age, intoxication, mental state, disability, or other reasons also qualify as sexual abuse. No consent is granted by the victim for the sexual act in question.
Sexual assault can include a wide variety of acts that are performed without the victim’s consent. Each jurisdiction has its definition of sexual assault and what constitutes it. Sexual abuse can include:
- When someone touches you without your permission
- Forces you into performing specific sexual acts using coercion or violence
- Violates you or performs sexual intercourse with you while you are asleep or are under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Intimidates you into performing specific sexual acts without your consent
Most jurisdictions classify acts of forced sexual intercourse, fondling, inappropriate touching, forced oral sex, forced anal sex, child molestation, incest, and attempted rape as sexual abuse.
Victims of Sexual Violence: Statistics
According to statistics from RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network):
- Every 68 seconds, one person is sexually assaulted in the United States
- There are more than 463,634 cases of rape and sexual abuse cases in the United States each year
- Younger people are at higher risk of sexual abuse as 54% of the cases are reported by those in the 18-34 age group
- Women and girls are at higher risk of sexual abuse, with 1 out of 6 American women reporting being a victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.
- Young women are especially at risk as 82% of all juvenile victims are female, while 90% of adult rape victims are female
- Females aged 16-19 years are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of rape, sexual abuse, or attempted rape
- Female college students aged 18-24 years are three times more likely than the general population to be sexual violence survivors. At the same time, females of the same age group who are not enrolled in college are four times more likely than the general population to experience sexual violence.
- 1 out of 33 men in the U.S., or 3% of all male population, have been victims of rape.
- 1 out of 10 rape victims are male
- Nearly 94% of women who have been raped report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in the initial two weeks after the rape
- About 30% of the women who have been raped report symptoms of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) nine months after the rape
- Approximately 33% of women who are raped contemplate suicide
- About 13% of raped women attempt suicide
- People who have suffered sexual abuse are 3.4 times more likely to use marijuana, six times more likely to use cocaine, and ten times more likely to use other major drugs as compared to the general population
- Nearly 38% of the people who have been sexually assaulted report problems with their peers, boss, and coworkers after the assault
About 37% of all sexual abuse victims report family and friend problems that include more frequent arguments with loved ones, an inability to trust, and not feeling close with friends or family after the crime.
Common Feelings of Survivors of Sexual Assault
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), crime victims harmed by sexual abuse and domestic violence report a wide range of emotions in the immediate aftermath of the assault.
Common feelings experienced by sexual crime victims include:
- A wide range of emotional feelings that include but are not limited to helplessness, anxiety, anger, guilt, shame, sadness, and shock
- No desire to see family, friends, or anyone else and a feeling to remain in isolation
- Feeling overwhelmed and confused and not knowing what to do
- Affected by sexual flashbacks of the assault or nightmares
- Feeling detached, numb, and unaffected
- Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
- Difficulty in concentrating on any task
- Feeling pain or bleeding in the genitals, anus, or mouth
- Feeling the fear or depression
- A sense and feeling of losing control over life in general
Many victims of sexual assault find it comforting to speak with a certified counselor specializing in helping victims of crime, sexual molestation, and domestic violence.
Rape Culture, Victim Blaming, and the Facts
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), rape culture refers to an environment where rape is quite common and is often trivialized, normalized, and excused by citing a wide range of reasons.
In addition, some misogynistic social groups develop a rape culture, using victim-blaming, where the victim is blamed for rape or sexual assault caused by an abuser.
What Support Can You Expect From A Rape Crisis Center or Sexual Assault Center?
Many victims can find confidential support from a trained staff member at a rape crisis center or sexual assault center who has experience dealing with such cases. The organization in question may also help you contact law enforcement officials and get in touch with local health facilities if you need medical attention.
The crime victim can receive attention from a professionally trained nurse examiner to conduct a forensic exam (rape kit) and take a health history. As a part of the forensic exam, the nurse will likely provide testing and treatment for possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection like HIV/AIDS.
The rape crisis center may also provide you with local laws related to sexual molestation, child sexual molestation, and domestic violence in your area. In addition, it may put you in touch with counselors or psychiatrists if you need help.
Sexual Assault Survivor Support and Resources
Sexual abuse is a prevalent problem in Illinois. Unfortunately, many victims of a crime involving domestic violence and sexual molestation never speak about what happened to loved ones, clergy, healthcare professionals, and service providers.
According to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, statewide rape crisis centers offered services to over 37,000 victims of sexual violence over five years.
In addition, the organization can provide information about a local advocacy center providing crisis support for survivors hoping to find help and assistance in their community.
Sexual assault can happen to you or someone close to you. If you need trustworthy resources for help as a sexual crime victim, start here.
Advocacy
Sexual molestation advocates are people or organizations that help victims find hope and healing. In addition, advocates guide victims to other resources to help them navigate complicated criminal, civil, and social systems.
Most advocacy centers and service providers offer 24-hour hotlines, confidential counseling, legal assistance, and interventions at the victim’s home or resource center.
- Resilience. This Chicagoland area advocacy group offers help and support to victims of sexual molestation. It has the phone number for the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (888-293-2080), as well as RAINN’s hotline (800-656-HOPE). In addition, it offers local programs, services, and events to help those in need of support. Resilience is a good option for any child or adult searching for an advocate or resource center.
- Life Span. Life Span provides comprehensive support at their advocacy center to women and children victims of sexual violence. It offers a range of services and support options, including access to resources, advocates, and counseling. In addition, if you need advice, information, court advocacy, or immigration services, Life Span can help. You can reach Life Span at (312) 408-1210.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial part of the healing process post-sexual assault. Unfortunately, sexually abused survivors often bear their emotional burdens for years. Seeking individual or group counseling with a professional can help you cope with your trauma, recognize triggers, and achieve long-term healing.
- In The Wildflowers. The sexual abuse support group is located in Naperville, Illinois, helping participants in the county heal from childhood sexual abuse and related trauma. Call Julie Woodley at (631) 837-2047 for more information.
- Sexual Trauma Survivors’ Group. This counseling group provides an invaluable service for female survivors of sexual trauma in need of local resources. The assistance group incorporates a few different counseling techniques and interventions, as appropriate, to cope with traumatic symptoms. Call (872) 213-7966 if you are interested in joining.
- YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. The YWCA offers professional counselors for survivors of sexual violence and family members. Men, women, and children (ages three and older) are welcome to seek counseling from the YWCA. Methods include talk therapy, art therapy, play therapy, dance movement therapy, and tray therapy. Its phone number for potential clients is (866) 525-YWCA.
Outreach
Sexual abuse outreach brings community members together to understand better and be aware of sexual assault and abuse. In addition, outreach programs help assaulted victims feel less alone during difficult times.
- Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA). An outreach group with a network of 30 community-based crisis centers you can visit or contact throughout the state. In addition, the ICASA offers 24-hour intervention services, sexual assault counseling, and community education programs. Call (217) 753-4117.
Community Education
Community education broaches the subject of sexual molestation, so victims do not have to feel ashamed or hide their traumas. Community education centers exist throughout the state of Illinois through the ICASA’s Sexual Assault Prevent Program. Other options also exist near you.
SAFE (Sexual Assault & Family Emergencies). SAFE offers sexual abuse prevention programs and education for all ages by partnering with Illinois Imagines for courses for people with special needs. In addition, SAFE has educational courses for bullying, dating violence, body safety, human trafficking, consent, and more. Call (618) 699-4031 for more details.
Prevention Programs
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), sexual assault prevention begins with education, especially for minors and young adults involved in child sexual violence and those affected by sexual misconduct.
Sexual violence prevention programs in Illinois exist to spread awareness, educate people at early ages, and ultimately help eliminate sexually abusive behavior.
- ICARE. The ICARE program at the University of Illinois provides bystander intervention training through the Women’s Resources Center. ICARE is a 90-minute workshop where students can recognize sexually disrespectful behavior and learn how to speak up. The University of Illinois also offers annual sexual assault prevention training and prevention services for undergrads and graduate students.
Justice (Civil and Criminal)
Sexual assault is a crime as much as it is a social problem. As a victim, you may become part of a criminal lawsuit against your perpetrator. At the same time, you and your family could pursue financial compensation through a civil lawsuit in Illinois. Use the following resources for assistance with both.
- Illinois State Police. Call 911 to report an emergency sexual abuse case to local police. The non-emergency line can also help you get information about a pending criminal case. Call the Chicago headquarters at (847) 294-4400.
- Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. This state agency can help the public address sexual abuse issues. You can learn about the Illinois criminal justice system, as well as access tools to help you understand what to expect during the legal case against your sexually abusive perpetrator. Use the website for resources or call (312) 793-8550.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Our personal injury law firm specializes in sexual molestation civil law. We offer an invaluable resource to the mental health, medical, and legal services to hold those responsible legally and financially accountable. Our legal team can provide effective, comprehensive counseling for free at our Chicago location. In addition, we could represent you during a civil case against the perpetrator, a school, your employer, or other parties in pursuit of justice and damage recovery. Call (888) 424-5757 today to discuss your case with an attorney.
Rape Culture, Victim Blaming, and the Facts
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), rape culture refers to an environment where rape is quite common and is often trivialized, normalized, and excused by citing a wide range of reasons.
In addition, some misogynistic social groups develop a rape culture, using victim-blaming, where the victim is blamed for rape or sexual assault caused by an abuser.
What Support Can You Expect From A Rape Crisis Center or Sexual Assault Center?
Many victims can find confidential support from a trained staff member at a rape crisis center or sexual assault center who has experience dealing with such cases. The organization in question may also help you contact law enforcement officials and get in touch with local health facilities if you need medical attention.
The crime victim can receive attention from a professionally trained nurse examiner to conduct a forensic exam (rape kit) and take a health history. As a part of the forensic exam, the nurse will likely provide testing and treatment for possible pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection like HIV/AIDS.
The rape crisis center may also provide you with local laws related to sexual molestation, child sexual molestation, and domestic violence in your area. In addition, it may put you in touch with counselors or psychiatrists if you need help.
Sexual Assault Survivor Support and Resources
Sexual abuse is a prevalent problem in Illinois. Unfortunately, many victims of a crime involving domestic violence and sexual molestation never speak about what happened to loved ones, clergy, healthcare professionals, and service providers.
According to the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, statewide rape crisis centers offered services to over 37,000 victims of sexual violence over five years.
In addition, the organization can provide information about a local advocacy center providing crisis support for survivors hoping to find help and assistance in their community.
Sexual assault can happen to you or someone close to you. If you need trustworthy resources for help as a sexual crime victim, start here.
Advocacy
Sexual molestation advocates are people or organizations that help victims find hope and healing. In addition, advocates guide victims to other resources to help them navigate complicated criminal, civil, and social systems.
Most advocacy centers and service providers offer 24-hour hotlines, confidential counseling, legal assistance, and interventions at the victim’s home or resource center.
- Resilience. This Chicagoland area advocacy group offers help and support to victims of sexual molestation. It has the phone number for the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (888-293-2080), as well as RAINN’s hotline (800-656-HOPE). In addition, it offers local programs, services, and events to help those in need of support. Resilience is a good option for any child or adult searching for an advocate or resource center.
- Life Span. Life Span provides comprehensive support at their advocacy center to women and children victims of sexual violence. It offers a range of services and support options, including access to resources, advocates, and counseling. In addition, if you need advice, information, court advocacy, or immigration services, Life Span can help. You can reach Life Span at (312) 408-1210.
Counseling
Counseling is a crucial part of the healing process post-sexual assault. Unfortunately, sexually abused survivors often bear their emotional burdens for years. Seeking individual or group counseling with a professional can help you cope with your trauma, recognize triggers, and achieve long-term healing.
- In The Wildflowers. The sexual abuse support group is located in Naperville, Illinois, helping participants in the county heal from childhood sexual abuse and related trauma. Call Julie Woodley at (631) 837-2047 for more information.
- Sexual Trauma Survivors’ Group. This counseling group provides an invaluable service for female survivors of sexual trauma in need of local resources. The assistance group incorporates a few different counseling techniques and interventions, as appropriate, to cope with traumatic symptoms. Call (872) 213-7966 if you are interested in joining.
- YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. The YWCA offers professional counselors for survivors of sexual violence and family members. Men, women, and children (ages three and older) are welcome to seek counseling from the YWCA. Methods include talk therapy, art therapy, play therapy, dance movement therapy, and tray therapy. Its phone number for potential clients is (866) 525-YWCA.
Outreach
Sexual abuse outreach brings community members together to understand better and be aware of sexual assault and abuse. In addition, outreach programs help assaulted victims feel less alone during difficult times.
- Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA). An outreach group with a network of 30 community-based crisis centers you can visit or contact throughout the state. In addition, the ICASA offers 24-hour intervention services, sexual assault counseling, and community education programs. Call (217) 753-4117.
Community Education
Community education broaches the subject of sexual molestation, so victims do not have to feel ashamed or hide their traumas. Community education centers exist throughout the state of Illinois through the ICASA’s Sexual Assault Prevent Program. Other options also exist near you.
SAFE (Sexual Assault & Family Emergencies). SAFE offers sexual abuse prevention programs and education for all ages by partnering with Illinois Imagines for courses for people with special needs. In addition, SAFE has educational courses for bullying, dating violence, body safety, human trafficking, consent, and more. Call (618) 699-4031 for more details.
Prevention Programs
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), sexual assault prevention begins with education, especially for minors and young adults involved in child sexual violence and those affected by sexual misconduct.
Sexual violence prevention programs in Illinois exist to spread awareness, educate people at early ages, and ultimately help eliminate sexually abusive behavior.
- ICARE. The ICARE program at the University of Illinois provides bystander intervention training through the Women’s Resources Center. ICARE is a 90-minute workshop where students can recognize sexually disrespectful behavior and learn how to speak up. The University of Illinois also offers annual sexual assault prevention training and prevention services for undergrads and graduate students.
Justice (Civil and Criminal)
Sexual assault is a crime as much as it is a social problem. As a victim, you may become part of a criminal lawsuit against your perpetrator. At the same time, you and your family could pursue financial compensation through a civil lawsuit in Illinois. Use the following resources for assistance with both.
- Illinois State Police. Call 911 to report an emergency sexual abuse case to local police. The non-emergency line can also help you get information about a pending criminal case. Call the Chicago headquarters at (847) 294-4400.
- Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority. This state agency can help the public address sexual abuse issues. You can learn about the Illinois criminal justice system, as well as access tools to help you understand what to expect during the legal case against your sexually abusive perpetrator. Use the website for resources or call (312) 793-8550.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC. Our personal injury law firm specializes in sexual molestation civil law. We offer an invaluable resource to the mental health, medical, and legal services to hold those responsible legally and financially accountable. Our legal team can provide effective, comprehensive counseling for free at our Chicago location. In addition, we could represent you during a civil case against the perpetrator, a school, your employer, or other parties in pursuit of justice and damage recovery. Call (888) 424-5757 today to discuss your case with an attorney.
Are You a Sexually Abused Survivor?
Did you survive sexual molestation? Various hotlines in support groups throughout the United States can provide much-needed assistance. Some of them are listed below.
National Sexual Assault Hotline. Free, Confidential 24/7 Support
You can contact RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at (800) 656-HOPE (4673). This hotline has helped more than 3 million survivors since it was launched in 1994.
You will be redirected to a local RAINN affiliate based on the first six digits of your phone number, or you can also manually enter the zip code that will help them assign you to the right RAINN affiliate.
Sexual Violence Victim/Survivor Resources
- National Sexual Assault Helpline: National Sexual Assault Helpline (800) 656-HOPE (4673) is operated by RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) and directs you to your nearest sexual abuse service provider. You can also find your local center here.
- National Organization for Victim Assistance: National Organization for Victim Organization is the oldest support group founded in 1975. Since its inception, it has helped millions of victims and remains a premier organization for assisting victims of sexual molestation.
- National Sexual Violence Resource Center: National Sexual Violence Resource Center is an online library that offers various sexual violence and abuse information.
- U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website: U.S. Department of Justice’s National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) is the only government site that links state, tribal, and territorial sex offender registries. The information creates a massive database of sex offenders.
- The National Center for Victims of Crime: National Center for Victims of Crime is committed to helping victims of crime rebuild their lives. They are an organization dedicated to individuals, families, and communities who have been affected by crime.
- National Street Harassment Hotline: National Street Harassment Hotline is operated by RAINN and was founded by Stop Street Harassment and Defend Yourself. You can call (855) 897-5910 or chat online. They offer support in English and Spanish.
- Ujima: National Center for Violence Against Women in The Black Community operated the UJIMA hotline to end domestic, sexual, and community violence occurring in the Black communities.
- National Child Abuse Hotline: National Child Abuse Hotline is focused on cases of child sexual abuse and can provide local referrals for services. Their centralized call center gives the caller an option to talk or text with the counselor, and one can interact with them in over 140 languages.
- National Children’s Alliance: National Children’s Alliance represents the national network of child advocacy centers. Child advocacy centers or CACs are composed of multidisciplinary teams of law enforcement officials, mental health experts, and physical health practitioners investigating child physical abuse and child sexual abuse cases.
- End Rape on Campus: End Rape on Campus is a college-focused organization that intends to end rape and sexually abusive behavior on college campuses in the U.S. In addition to providing advocacy services, they also assist students in filing Title IX complaints.
- Hope Exists After Rape Trauma: Hope Exists After Rape Trauma or HEART is an organization that provides hope to victims of sexual abuse through essential and therapeutic support in the immediate aftermath of the assault.
Hiring a Sexual Abuse Injury Attorney to Represent Your Personal Injury Case
Are you a survivor of sexual molestation? Have you remained silent about the sexual predator, never underwent a forensic exam, or sought the mental healthcare you need to maximize your well-being?
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, our personal injury attorneys represent children, teenagers, and adults victimized by sexual predators recently or decades ago. Our legal team can ensure you access all necessary health services and provide the resource to resolve your case successfully.
Contact our law office today at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. Please speak with an attorney in a confidential setting to tell us what happened.
We accept all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits through contingency fee agreements, meaning no upfront fees are paid until we successfully resolve your legal issue through a jury verdict or negotiated settlement.
All sensitive or confidential information you share with us remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
