Victim Assistance and Advocacy: Resources for Healing and Empowerment
Find Support, Healing, and Hope
You are not alone. Discover resources to support your healing and recovery journey after sexual abuse.
National Resources
- National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN): Available 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or online at www.rainn.org, this confidential service provides crisis intervention, emotional support, and connects survivors with local resources. RAINN also offers an online chat option.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit https://www.thehotline.org for confidential support and resources if you're experiencing domestic violence. Their website provides information on recognizing abuse and creating safety plans.
- National Center for Victims of Crime: This organization offers a helpline at 1-855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) and a comprehensive online resource center at https://victimsofcrime.org, providing advocacy, education, and support for all crime victims, including those affected by sexual violence.
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV): NCADV focuses on creating a society where domestic violence is not tolerated. They provide resources, education, and advocacy to support survivors. More information can be found at https://ncadv.org.
- The Joyful Heart Foundation: Founded by actress Mariska Hargitay, this foundation aims to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. Their resources include healing programs and advocacy efforts, detailed at https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org.
- Loveisrespect: Targeting young people, Loveisrespect offers support for those in abusive relationships through their hotline at 1-866-331-9474 and website https://www.loveisrespect.org. They focus on empowering youth to build healthy relationships.
State Resources
- California:
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: 1-800-524-4765 or http://www.cpedv.org
- California Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CALCASA): www.calcasa.org
- WEAVE (Sacramento): 1-866-920-2952 or www.weaveinc.org
- New York:
- New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NYSCADV): 1-800-942-6906 or www.nyscadv.org
- Safe Horizon (NYC): 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or www.safehorizon.org
- New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence: 1-800-942-6906 or www.opdv.ny.gov
- Texas:
- Texas Council on Family Violence: 1-800-525-1978 or www.tcfv.org
- Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA): 1-512-474-7190 or www.taasa.org
- The Houston Area Women's Center: 1-713-528-2121 or www.hawc.org
Regional Resources
Many states have regional coalitions against sexual assault, such as:
- Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault (ICASA): www.icasa.org or 1-217-753-4117
- Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence (OAESV): www.oaesv.org or 1-888-886-8388
- Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR): www.pcar.org or 1-888-772-7227
- Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (Jane Doe Inc.): www.janedoe.org or 1-617-248-0922
- Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV): www.fcasv.org or 1-888-956-7273
- Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault (GNESA): www.gnesa.org or 1-866-354-3672
- Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP): www.wcsap.org or 1-360-754-7583
- Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence (OCADSV): www.ocadsv.org or 1-503-230-1951
Laws In Your State
RAINN provides a guide to the laws in your state regarding sexual assault, from definitions to statutes of limitations.
Apps Dedicated to Preventing and Healing Sexual Trauma
- Personal Safety: BSafe, Circle of 6, VINELink
- Support & Information: NO MORE, RAINN
- Enhanced Safety Features: Noonlight, Watch Over Me, MyPlan, Aspire News, LiveSafe
These apps can be downloaded on both Android and iPhone and offer a variety of features to increase personal safety, provide support and information, and help you connect with emergency services.