Ask for victim assistance from the law officer responding. Park County Sheriff's Office Victim Services staff and/or volunteer advocates are available 24/7.
You will need medical attention to assess your health and safety. This will be arranged by the Park County Sheriff's Officer and Victim Advocate who respond to your call.
All procedures will be explained and a victim advocate will accompany you to the hospital for a sex assault nurse examination (SANE) and a "rape kit" will be used to collect any evidence.
Both law enforcement and private agencies can supply you with counseling referrals and provide follow-up support for you and your family.
Even if you do not wish to report a sexual assault, you should seek medical treatment.
Safety and Prevention
Trust your feelings. If a situation feels uncomfortable, trust your intuition and do not be afraid of making a scene or calling attention to yourself.
In a dating or social situation, be wary of anyone who behaves in an intrusive manner, comes on too strong or who chooses not to listen to you. Know that alcohol and/or drugs greatly reduce your judgment regarding safety and be extra wary of anyone who seems to be trying to intoxicate you.
At home, keep windows and doors locked at all times.
On the street, walk with confidence - keep your head up and pay close attention to your environment.
In your car, lock your car as you get in and out. Have your keys ready as you approach to get in. Park, walk and jog in well-lit and populated areas.
Enroll in a Personal Safety Skills class (self-defense) to learn more ways to protect yourself.
Work towards changing cultural attitudes about sexual violence by:
Recognizing and speaking out against transphobia, homophobia, and gay-bashing. This abuse has direct links to sexism and sexual violence
Support movies, video games, and musicians that promote positive attitudes and behaviors. Speak out against "entertainment" that condones violence against women and sexual violence.
Communicate your sexual expectations and respect your partner's boundaries. Engaging in 1 sexual act does not mean consenting to others.
If a friend, family member, classmate, or co-worker is abusive or disrespectful to girls and women, don't simply ignore it. If you feel comfortable doing so, try to talk to him/her about it. If you don't know what to do, reach out to someone you trust or contact your local rape crisis center for support.
Options
The victim can call the police and make a report. OR
Call a victim service organization for:
A forensic medical exam for evidence collection as well as checking for injury, treatment for possible infections and/or pregnancy as a result of the crime.
The medical exam is performed by a specially trained R.N. and is at NO COST to the victim regardless of their involvement with law enforcement.
If the victim chooses to go to the police or hospital, s/he will be accompanied by a victim advocate. The victim may also choose to take a friend.
A victim advocate will explain options, including victim compensation, the reporting process (if not already done), forensic exams, counseling and other services. Working with a victim advocate is no cost to the victim.