Rape and Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy
If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, it is important for you to know and understand that regardless of the circumstances, the crime is not your fault. You are not alone, and we believe you!
About 85 to 90 percent of sexual assaults reported by college women are perpetrated by someone known to the victim; about half occur on a date.
433,648 Americans 12 or older were sexually assaulted each year.
Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2010-2014 (2015)Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2010-2014 (2015)
Every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted.
Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey, 2018 (2019). Note: RAINN applies a 5-year rolling average to adjust for changes in the year-to-year NCVS survey data.
Most victims know their attacker
DOVE Center has a team of rape recovery advocates who assist victims while they are receiving care at the hospital (see more info in Hospital Advocacy). A member of the team is always on call and will respond to the hospital day or night, 24-hours a day. Rape recovery advocates provide technical assistance, emotional support, a safe place to talk, and additional resources to help victims as they face uncertainty and confusion because of their assault. Advocates also help connect victims to trauma-informed counseling and appropriate therapy groups.
The effects of rape and sexual assault can be long lasting and significant. DOVE advocates and counselors are available to walk with you through the uncertainty you are experiencing. Counseling and other services will help you learn about how trauma affects the brain and body, how to deal with triggers, and other tools for safety and empowerment. Understanding trauma is essential to healing and will help you regain control over your life.
Hospital Advocacy
DOVE Center sponsors a team of trained advocates who provide one-on-one support to
victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and rape at the hospital. There is an
advocate on call 24/7. Advocates provide emotional support during forensic exams, and
information and resources about follow-up services. They assist victims with
applications to Utah Office of Victims of Crime for reimbursement of medical costs
associated with the crime committed against them. Advocates often provide supportive
information and resources to friends and family of the victim as well to help them better
understand how to not only support their loved one as they heal and recover, but also
themselves as secondary survivors. Hospital advocates provide victims with new, clean
clothes and underwear at the hospital and help arrange transportation to a safe place
when needed.
Moving Forward Support Group
Moving Forward: A Free Support Group for Survivors of Sexual Assault. The purpose of the group is to increase understanding of the impact of sexual trauma on the brain/body, enhance coping skills and give and receive support to one another. We focus on understanding the impact of sexual trauma on our personal healing and how we can feel empowered to advocate for our needs moving forward.
Format: Closed Group
Length: 8 weeks
Location: Please contact us for address, dates and times. Clients who are interested in this group will need to complete group intake with one of the facilitators prior to attending the group.
Contact
Please contact the Sexual Assault Program Coordinator at rsadvocacy@dovecenter.org or 435-628-1204 ext 101 to schedule an intake.
Facilitators: Carly, CSW – Community Partner Counselor; and Bailey – Sexual Assault Program Coordinator.