Community Corner

Help Available for Victims of Sexual Assault

Local, state and national organizations all offer services to victims of sexual assault, as well as loved ones or friends who need support.

If you’ve been sexually assaulted or you’re a relative or friend of someone who has, there is help available. National and local groups offer support, counseling, referrals and more.

Help is available regardless of when the sexual assault took place. If you are in immediate danger, get to a safe place and call 911.

In incidents of recent sexual assault, you can also go to a local emergency room for an exam. While there, you are entitled to a confidential sexual assault advocate and have the option of talking to police and completing a sexual assault forensic exam (SAFE), more commonly known as a rape kit, if the assault occurred within the past five days.

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Support Services and Police

Services Empowering Rights of Victims: 1-866-295-SERV (7378). Operating through the Center for Family Services, SERV offers a confidential, 24-hour hotline, outpatient counseling, referrals and more.

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New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault: 1-800-601-7200. Speak with a confidential sexual assault victim advocate, who can help explain your options and offer local services.

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). This number will connect you to local crisis center based on your location.

National Sexual Assault Online Hotline: Operated by the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), the online hotline offers live, confidential help through a instant messaging system.

Local crisis center: RAINN has a database of local crisis centers. Plug your ZIP code or state into the search form for a list of nearby support organizations.

Collingswood Police: 856-854-1901 (non-emergency), 911 (emergency) 

If you've been recently assaulted, it's best not to shower, eat or drink, change your clothes or use the bathroom if you want to have a SAFE kit performed. Avoiding these activities helps preserve biological evidence of the assault. 

 

This is part of a series Patch will run during National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. For more on the series, visit our Out of the Shadows: National Sexual Assault Awareness Month page.


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