It Was Not Your Fault. You Are Not Alone.
If you have experienced sexual assault, abuse, or unwanted sexual contact—recently or in the past—we are here to support you. 100% free, completely confidential, and on your terms.
Get in touch with our sexual assault advocate, Susan Mariner
If You Have Recently Been Assaulted
1. Get to Safety
If you are in immediate physical danger, call 911 if it is safe to do so, or go to a safe, trusted location.
2. Call an ESCADV Advocate First: (757) 787-1329
You do not have to navigate the medical or legal system by yourself. Our sexual assault advocates are available 24/7/365. We can meet you, stay on the phone with you, or accompany you to the hospital to ensure you are treated with dignity, respect, and proper care.
3. Medical Attention & Evidence Options
Getting a medical evaluation is critical for your health, safety, and peace of mind (addressing unseen injuries, STI prevention, and emergency contraception).
- Navigating Forensic Exams (PERK Kits): The Eastern Shore faces a regional shortage of specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs). Because local hospital resources vary, having an ESCADV advocate with you at the hospital is crucial. We will help you navigate your options for evidence collection (PERK kit), including regional care or transportation options, while fighting for your rights every step of the way.
- Preserving Evidence: If you are considering evidence collection, try to avoid showering, bathing, douching, drinking, eating, or changing clothes before your exam. If you do change, place your clothes in a clean paper bag (not plastic). Even if you have already showered or changed, you can still seek medical care and advocate support.
4. You Are in Control of Your Story
- Reporting is YOUR Choice: You have the right to seek medical care without reporting the assault to law enforcement.
- Anonymous PERK Storage: In Virginia, you can have a physical evidence kit collected and stored anonymously while you take time to decide if you want to press charges later.
How Our Sexual Assault Advocates Help
Hospital & Medical Accompaniment
We stand by your side in emergency rooms and clinics, ensuring your rights are respected, your questions are answered, and you are never alone in the room.
Legal & Court Advocacy
If you choose to report or seek a protective order, our advocates accompany you to police interviews, magistrate meetings, and court hearings.
Confidential Emotional Support & Healing
Trauma doesn’t end when the crisis passes. We offer free, confidential supportive counseling to help you process trauma, rebuild trust, and heal at your own pace.
What Is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted sexual contact or behavior that occurs without your explicit, clear, and voluntary consent.
It includes forced sexual contact, coercion, pressure, drug-facilitated assault, exploitation, or taking advantage of someone who is incapacitated, asleep, or unable to consent.
It does not matter:
- What you were wearing.
- Whether you had been drinking or using drugs.
- Whether the person was a stranger, an acquaintance, a date, or a spouse.
- Whether you stayed silent or fought back.
No one ever asks or deserves to be assaulted.
Whenever you are ready, we are here.
Whether the assault happened two hours ago or ten years ago, our sexual assault advocates are ready to listen and stand with you.