ESCAPE
  • Physician Resources
Client Portal Login    In Crisis    Donate
Peace River Center
  • About Us
    • Quick Links
      • Contact Us
      • Locations
      • FAQ
      • Testimonials
    • Events
      • Calendar
      • Signature Events
      • Community Outreach
    • Leadership
      • Executive Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Advisory Board
      • Clinical Leadership
      • Junior Advisory Board
    • News Media
      • Blog
      • News
      • Streamlines
  • Services
    • Children’s Services
    • Community-Based Treatment
    • Crisis Services
    • Health & Wellness
    • Mental Illness Recovery Services
    • Outpatient Services
    • Residential Services
    • Substance Use Treatment
    • Victim Services
  • Resources
    • Awareness Resources
    • Mental Health First Aid
    • Make It OK
    • Suicide Awareness
    • Screening Tool
  • Ways To Give
  • Get Started
    • Become a Client
    • Behavioral Health Navigation
    • Insurances Accepted
    • Medical Records Request
  • Join the Team
  • Search
  • Menu Menu

After Sexual Assault

You are here: Home1 / Resource2 / Victim Services3 / Sexual Assault Awareness4 / After Sexual Assault

After Sexual Assault

Each sexual assault survivor is unique and has individual reactions to an assault. Peace River Center Victim Services and our Rape Recovery Program advocates are here to help you through your healing process.

If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual violence, there are some important actions you need to know about. The first is that the sexual assault survivor immediately seek medical treatment. Whether through a local emergency room or off-hours at Peace River Center’s Lakeland Victim Services office (see more details below), having a medical exam is critical. Below is more information as to why and other actions you should and should not take following a sexual assault.

Things To Do If You Have Experienced Sexual Assault

  • Do seek immediate medical attention. This is important because the survivor may be injured internally or externally. You could become pregnant or contract a sexually transmitted disease. A medical examination may provide important evidence of sexual assault if you decide to take legal action. Remember even if you select not to report the sexual assault, you should still receive medical care.
  • Do call PRC’s Rape Recovery Program. Our compassionate and knowledgeable advocates are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to meet you at the hospital and help walk through this process with you. They provide guidance on your legal rights and bring a care kit that includes cloths and other items you might need. Call our Rape Recovery Program advocates any time of day or night at 863.413.2707, toll-free 877.688.5077
    or TTY 863. 733.4412.
  • Do decide if you want to report the sexual assault to local law enforcement. You are not required to report to receive services.

Things To Avoid If You Have Experienced Sexual Assault

  • Don’t bathe or douche. The first thing you might want to do is to bathe or douche. DON’T—you might destroy evidence. Instead immediately seek medical treatment.
  • Don’t eat, drink or smoke. If there was any oral contact evidence could be destroyed.
  • Don’t change clothes. Clothing may contain hairs or other evidence that might identify the perpetrator.

Every survivor’s journey is unique. But always know we believe you and sexual violence is never your fault. You are not alone. Peace River Center Victim Services is here for you.

Emergency Room Alternative

As mentioned above, sexual assault survivors may choose to have their sexual assault/forensic exam performed at the our Polk County Victim Services office instead of a hospital emergency room. An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner from the Polk County Health Department is on-call 6 pm to 6 am Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday for those 18 years and older who have no physical injuries or bleeding associated with the sexual assault.

 
PreviousNext
12

You can make a difference.

By supporting Peace River Center, you’ll be helping us make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. Whether it’s a small gift or some of your spare time, you’re contributing to our goal: to help build emotional wellness in our communities.

Donate Today!

You can make a difference.

By supporting Peace River Center, you’ll be helping us make a positive impact in the lives of the people we serve. Whether it’s a small gift or some of your spare time, you’re contributing to our goal: to help build emotional wellness in our communities.

Donate Today!
Sign up for updates!

Get news from Peace River Center in your inbox.

  • Please verify your identity by completing the following problem.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Peace River Center, 1239 East Main Street, Bartow, FL, 33830, US, http://peacerivercenter.org. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Peace River Center Facebook Peace River Twitter Peace River LinkedIn Peace River Instagram Peace River Youtube

Services • Locations • Resources • Events • Donate • Contact Us

You Are Not Alone. Get Help Today!

Emotional Support & Crisis Line: 863.519.3744 

Domestic Violence Crisis Hardee/Highlands County: 863.386.1167 

Domestic Violence Polk County: 863.413.2700

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 863.413.2707

You Are Not Alone.
Get Help Today!

Emotional Support & Crisis Line: 863.519.3744 

Domestic Violence Crisis Hardee/Highlands County: 863.386.1167 

Domestic Violence Polk County: 863.413.2700

Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 863.413.2707

Privacy Policy | Política de Privacidad | Portal | Auxiliary Aids Plan 2022 | Plan de Herramientas Auxiliares | Title VI Nondiscrimination Program Policy Statement | Title VI Complaint Form | Titulo VI Formulario de Quejas de Discriminación | Fòm Pou Pote Plent Pou Diskriminasyon | Transportation Services Promotional Statement

© Copyright – Peace River Center 2023 | Website Design By: MaximizeDigital.com

Scroll to top