Resources For Sexual Assault Survivors

There is support for all individuals who have unfortunately been victims of sexual assault and sexual violence. Speaking out about the abuse and confiding in family and friends can be extremely difficult for all victims. With men, there is often a stigma associated with being sexually abused or violated, and this deters many men from ever speaking out. Women can also feel shamed or blamed after their abuse resulting in underreporting as well. Sadly, there are many unreported cases that do not allow national organizations like RAINN to have a clear scope of just how many people are victims of sexual assault. If you or someone you know was a victim of sexual assault, contacting a sexual assault lawyer is a very important step in taking legal action against an abuser.

If you are seeking help, there are national and statewide resources available to you. Please know you are not alone in this and it is not your fault. These resources for sexual assault survivors allow you to report your sexual abuse or share your experience in pure confidentiality. Please tap into these resources to continue toward the path of healing.

Emergency Hotlines And Support

During times of crisis when you need immediate support, emergency hotlines can be critical resources to turn to. These national organizations offer immediate assistance via confidential phone calls or additional access via an online database of community resources. Contacting these organizations allows you to speak with a trained professional to get immediate access to the help you need.

RAINN 

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) offers a range of resources and support services for sexual assault survivors, one of which is an online chat hotline. Victims and loved ones of sexual abuse survivors can also turn to their website to explore a directory of local service providers in your community.

• Contact Number: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)

Working in tandem with RAINN, the National Sexual Assault Hotline is available 24/7 and connects survivors to local sexual assault service providers. 

• Contact Number:  ​703-535-6682 
• Address: 510 King Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314

The Trevor Project

The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and specializes in working with the youth of this community. In addition to offering immediate support, they have a variety of online resources you can tap into for additional guidance after experiencing a sexual assault.   

• Contact Number: 212-695-8650
• Address: The Trevor Project PO Box 69232, West Hollywood, CA 90069

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

The National Alliance to End Sexual Violence is an organization that is committed to ending sexual violence through advocacy, public policy, and support for survivors. Their website has a range of resources and information on sexual assault and connects you with local providers and other resources in your community. 

• Contact Number: info@endsexualviolence.org
• Address: 655 15th Street, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005

Joyful Heart Foundation 

The Joyful Heart Foundation is focused on the healing and well-being of sexual assault survivors. This organization provides critical support resources for victims who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. The foundation has a strong social media presence that allows victims to connect via an online community. Additionally, their website offers a directory of local service providers and a range of educational resources. 

• Contact Number: 212-475-2026
• info@joyfulheartfoundation.org

National Organization for Victim Assistance 

The National Organization for Victim Assistance is committed to providing support and advocacy for victims of all crimes, including sexual assault. In addition to offering a directory that can connect you to local resources, they offer an online chat service that allows you to speak with trained professionals immediately. 

• Contact Number:  ​703-535-6682 
• Address: 510 King Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314

Resources for sexual assault survivors in Colorado

The state of Colorado has done a good job of developing and establishing statewide resources for survivors of sexual assault. If you live in the state of Colorado and want immediate and direct access to professionals in your community, turn to these reputable organizations. 

Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) 

CCASA provides a broad spectrum of services for victims of sexual assault and their loved ones. With a mission of advocacy, education, and public policy, CCASA strives to give a voice to the voiceless. In addition to offering a local directory that connects you to service providers in your neighborhood, CCASA can help you with reporting sexual assault, navigating the healing process, and so much more.  

• Contact Number: 303-839-9999
• Address: 1330 Fox Street, Suite 2, PO Box 40350, Denver, CO 80204

Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance (COVA)

COVA provides support and advocacy for victims of crime, including sexual assault. COVA helps survivors seek support in their local community, as well as offers guidance on how to report sexual abuse, where to report it, and what rights you have to both healing and holding your abuser accountable. 

• Contact Number: 303-839-9999 or info@ccasa.org
• Address: 1330 Fox Street, Suite 2, PO Box 40350, Denver, CO 80204

The Blue Bench

Offering support and resources for victims of sexual assault, The Blue Bench is an organization rooted in helping victims navigate the road to healing. This organization gives victims access to counseling services, educational resources, and support groups. The organization also has a 24/7 hotline for victims to utilize in an immediate crisis. 

• Contact Number: 303-329-9922
• Address: P.O. Box 18951, Denver, CO 80218

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Programs

After a sexual assault, victims who are uninsured, are afraid to seek medical attention, or are unable to do so can turn to the SANE program. These programs provide medical and forensic services for sexual assault survivors. The services can be used to ensure your physical health and enable you to collect DNA evidence that belongs to your attacker. This evidence can then be used when pursuing legal action against your abuser.

• Address: Directory available for Colorado locations 

Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE)

Following a sexual assault, victims may be faced with an unexpected financial burden. The Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) provides financial assistance to victims of crime, including sexual assault. Financial assistance can be used towards medical care, counseling, lost wages, and other financial losses related to your sexual assault. 

• Contact Number: 303-239-4442
• Address: 700 Kipling, Suite 1000, Lakewood, Colorado 80215

Colorado Crisis Services 

For immediate care and assistance, the Colorado Crisis Services is an invaluable resource to turn to. This organization provides crisis intervention and support for survivors of sexual assault and other traumas. Victims have access to a 24/7 hotline and can get information on available walk-in services at locations throughout the state.

• Contact Number: 1-800-844-8255 or Text “TALK” to 38255
• Address: Directory available for Colorado locations

Project Safeguard

Project Safeguard provides legal assistance and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Sexual assault survivors can learn more about protection orders, court processes, and other legal resources and avenues they can pursue following the sexual assault. 

• Contact Number: 720-618-3482 or info@psghelps.org
• Address: Directory available for Colorado locations 

Male Sexual Assault Survivor Resources

One of the most underreported types of sexual violence is violence that occurs against men. Because of the stigma associated with sexual assault on men, many victims do not report their assault. If you have been victimized, sexually assaulted, or sexually abused, you are not alone. There are resources you can turn to. These male sexual assault survivor resources can help you get the assistance you need. 

MaleSurvivor 

This organization helps provide resources and support for male survivors of sexual abuse. MaleSurvivor can help connect you with therapy referrals and offers an online forum where you can join in on a community of other men who’ve experienced similar assaults.

• Contact: 1-800-273-8255

1in6 

Aptly named because of recent statistics, 1in6 offers information and resources for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including a helpline and online chat. For immediate assistance, this can be an invaluable resource to turn to. 

• Contact: Support Group Chat 

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

The NSVRC provides resources and information for all survivors of sexual violence, including men. Get connected with resources in your community and speak with professionals who can help you on your journey to healing. 

• Contact: Contact form
• Address: 2101 N Front Street, Governor’s Plaza North, Building #2, Harrisburg, PA 17110

MenHealing

Having a community of support after a sexual assault is critical to your healing process. MenHealing focuses on this and offers support groups, retreats, and other resources for male survivors of sexual trauma.

• Contact: Peer support groups and Contact form 

211 

This is a national helpline that can connect survivors with local resources and support services, including those for men. You can call with confidentiality, ask for specific support, or simply speak with someone about what you’ve experienced. 

• Contact: Dial 211

SurvJustice 

This organization works to provide legal assistance to male survivors of sexual assault and abuse. SurvJustice can inform you about your rights and options following your assault. 

• Contact: VoicesforCivilJustice.org 

Seeking Legal Representation After Your Sexual Assault

Sexual assault can happen to anyone. At Bachus & Schanker, our sexual assault lawyers are committed to helping defend victims of sexual assault like you, no matter your background, ethnicity, age,  gender, or sexual orientation. 

Our team of advocates was designed with victims in mind and is committed to serving survivors so that they can get the legal representation they deserve. The victim advocates will work to help identify pertinent evidence to your assault so that they can compile a strong claim against your abuser. 

This team also works alongside our Elite Litigation Group so that you get the help, support, and legal guidance you deserve. Our law firm prioritizes and values confidentiality so that you know you are getting the representation you deserve without fear of retribution, shame, guilt, or blame associated with your assault. You are not to blame for what happened and are not alone.

Sources:

Cook, J., et al. (2020). The Other #MeToo: Male Sexual Abuse Survivors. 

Recovering from Rape and Sexual Trauma. (2023). 

Victims of Sexual Violence: Statistics. (2023).