RAPE RECOVERY PROGRAM

Rape Recovery Program1860 South Crystal Lake Drive

Lakeland, FL 33801Office (863) 413-2708

All Services are Free and ConfidentialThis project was supported by AGREEMENT Z0006

awarded by State of Florida, Office of the Attorney General. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication

are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Attorney General or State

of Florida.

It is the policy of Peace River Center to provide equal opportunity in employment and the provision of services to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic information or genetic identity or other protected classifications.

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24-Hour Crisis Lines(863) 413-2707Toll-Free (877) 688-5077TTL (863) 733-4412

Sexual assault is the most rapidly growing violent crime in America.

Facts About Rape

Every two minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted.2

44% of sexually assaulted victims are under age 18.

Each survivor is unique and has individual reactions to an assault. The purpose of the Rape Recovery Program is to provide:

• Information• Referrals• Supportive counseling• Support groups for survivors

Assistance from a rape recovery counselor can help you through your healing process.

We Are Here to Help

80% of sexually assaulted victims are under age 30.

7 out of 10rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.

321,500people (age 12 or older) are sexually assaulted every year.

45% of perpetrators of sexual violence are committed by an acquaintance.

Source: Rape Abuse & Incest National Network www.rainn.org

You are not alone. Our doors are open.If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted, Get Medical Attention Immediately• You may be injured internally or

externally. • You could become pregnant or contract

a sexually transmitted disease. • A medical examination may provide

important evidence of sexual assault if you decide to take legal action.

The Rape Recovery Program atPeace River Center provides information, referrals, support groups, and counselingto survivors of sexual violence and their significant others including family members related to sexual assault survivors. These services are offered whether or not the survivor chose to report the attack.

The Rape Recovery Program provides the following services:• Advocacy at area hospitals• Court accompaniment• Crisis intervention & counseling

Victims may choose to have their rape exam performed on-site at the Rape Recovery Program instead of waiting in the hospital emergency room. An Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner from the Polk County Health Department is on-call to offer these forensic exams in this confidential and caring environment. Exams are offered to victims ages 16 and over who have no physical injuries or bleeding associated with the rape.

Rape Recovery Program Resources

Sexual violence is a hostile expression of anger, hate, or insecurity.

Gratification comes from overpowering and degrading the survivor. The perpetrator’s need is to dominate and humiliate. It is not to obtain sexual pleasure or gratification, and it is not your fault.

Survivors of sexual assault include men, women, and children of all races, ages, and incomes. Survivors have been sexually assaulted by friends, intimate partners, family members, acquaintances, and strangers.

All survivors of sexual assault, regardless of their previous sexual experience, indicate that sexual assault is a violent attack upon them that deeply affects their lives.

DO report any sexual assault to your local law enforcement (police, sheriff, etc.)

DO call the Rape Recovery Program. We are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year at (863) 413-2707, toll-free (877) 688-5077 or TTY (863) 733-4412.

DON’T bathe or douche. The first thing you might want to do is to bathe or douche. DON’T—you might destroy evidence. Seek immediate medical attention.

DON’T eat, drink or smoke. If there was any oral contact evidence could be destroyed.

DON’T change clothes. Clothing may contain hairs or other evidence that might identify your attacker.

Oral, anal, or vaginal penetration with a sexual organ; or any other object, except as performed for bona fide medical purpose. And “consent” means intelligent, knowing, and voluntary consent and does not include coerced submission. “Consent” shall not be deemed or construed to mean the failure by the alleged victim to offer physical resistance to the offender.(Synopsis of FS Chapter 794)

Sexual Battery Definition

All services are free and confidential. The Rape Recovery Program staff is dedicated to promoting awareness and education about sexual assault issues within the communities of Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties.