Get Help Now
If someone has assaulted you or someone you love, get to a safe place quickly.
If possible, call 911 or our hotline at 1-800-793-2273.
CONSIDER YOUR OPTIONS
When did the assault happen?
LESS THAN 120 HOURS AGO
There is still a chance to collect DNA evidence. Call the police where the assault occurred. The police will escort you to the nearest hospital with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program or other appropriate facility if major trauma is involved.
OVER 120 HOURS AGO
Even if the window for a forensic exam has passed, medical attention may still be an important step if you are experiencing bleeding, physical discomfort or any other abnormal symptoms. Although they cannot collect forensic evidence, you can still file a police report if you so desire.
If a survivor chooses to go to the hospital to have a forensic exam done, they have the right to have state-certified advocate accompaniment. Crisis Center of Southeast Texas trains and sends out advocates around the clock free of charge to meet survivors at the hospital and provide support during the exam. An advocate is dispatched when our center is contacted by the hospital telling us a survivor has arrived or is in route. They will stay the duration of the exam and provide a number of services to both the survivor and their friends and family who might have accompanied them.
REPORTING & NON-REPORTING OPTIONS
ADULTS
For individuals over the age of 18 who arrive in the 96 hour window, please note that there is a Non-Report option. This option does not involve the police in any way. Victims who choose this option are able to complete the medical exam and the forensic evidence exam with a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. The evidence potentially collected in the forensic evidence exam will be stored for 2 years, in case the victim decides to make a corresponding police report.
MINORS
For minors (anyone younger than 18) who have been sexually assaulted, the incident MUST be reported to law enforcement under Texas’ mandatory reporting laws.
If you are a survivor who is under 18, over 60, or disabled, it is important to understand the hospital’s mandated reporting requirements. Please call the hotline 800-793-2273 to find out more.
Additional resources:
Anyone who is depressed, despairing, going through a hard time, or just needs to talk, including people who are thinking about suicide. Any life issues may be discussed on the Chat program. The chat specialists are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing.
RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. Whether you’re looking for support, information, advice, or a referral, RAINN's trained support specialists are ready to help. The service is completely anonymous and confidential.