Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

• Go to a safe place such as a hospital. 
• If you are in immediate danger, require emergency medical assistance or wish to report a sexual assault to police call 911.
• Do not bathe, shower, wash, brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, change your clothes, eat, drink, smoke or urinate (if possible) prior to a forensic exam.
• Get immediate medical care.  You may have an injury and not even know it.  
• At the hospital ask for a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE).  Treatment for possible disease or pregnancy is recommended.
• Ask for a Sexual Assualt Victim Advocte.  The hospital will contact Lake County's Rape Crisis Center for you.
• Tell someone!  Speak to a friend or relative.  Or call the Lake County, IN Sexual Assault Crisis Line - (219) 218-2552 and speak with a victim’s advocate. 

Who is there to help?

The Sexual Assault Response Team includes the following members:

• A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) is a nurse with special training to conduct a forensic medical examination, to treat & document your injuries & collect evidence.
• A Victim’s Advocate will meet you at the hospital.  Advocates are there to support you through the exam, explain your legal rights & guide you through the process.
• A law enforcement officer will work with you to investigate the case.
• The Prosecutor’s Office leads the Team.  The SVU Deputy Prosecutor will utilize a victim-centered approach when working with victims of sexual assault and in handling their cases. 

Do I have to report to Police?

If you are an adult and have experienced sexual assault, you have the right to choose whether or not to report the incident to law enforcement.  Even if you choose not to report, it is highly recommended that you seek immediate medical attention and obtain a FREE examination (in the first 120 hours after an assault) from a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) where evidence is collected and documented. 

This evidence is anonymously preserved for one year.  While all victims are encouraged to promptly report a sexual assault to law enforcement- the choice is yours.

What can I expect?

• To be treated with dignity & respect.
• To be assured of confidentiality.
• To choose whether or not to report the incident to law enforcement (if adult)
• To receive a free medical exam from a SANE nurse regardless if the crime is reported to law enforcement.
• To receive Free medication to treat for STI’s and emergency contraception.  
• To have a sexual assault Victim Advocate present with you during the medical/legal process.
• To receive community resources.