After Sexual Assault: A Guide for Advocacy Services

Help for Victims, Family, and Friends

Sexual Abuse/Sexual Assault

• People should not hurt themselves or other people.

• No one has the right to use someone else's body for pleasure if the person does not want them to do it.

• It is your body and you decide what happens to it.

• It is not fair or right for someone to touch your body in any way if you do not feel like being touched by that person... in fact, it is against the law!

You should know...

• It is important that you tell someone.

• It is OK to tell, even if someone gets mad at you.

• Remember, you own your own body. You have a right to not be touched.

• Sometimes people are tricked...it is not your fault!

• Sometimes it is hard to say no to adults or to someone you know. It is OK to say no, even if they get mad.

• It hurts your feelings if someone lies to your or tricks you...but it is against the law for someone to hurt you or even touch your body... so tell someone you trust.

• There is someone you can talk to...call the Community Crisis Center at (847) 697-2380.

What is an advocate?

• An advocated is a person who has special training.

• They know about what you have been through.

• They know about the law.

• They can stay with you to give you comfort, and help you and your family...
  
  • at the hospital
  • at the police station
  • and at court.
    
    
• Advocates know...
  
  • about your right to medical care
  • how the police can help
  • how the courts work
  • the workers at those places.

If you are raped...GET HELP

Contact your local Law Enforcement Agency to make a report and to be connected with an Advocate that can assist you.