#howtogetjustice

[kendraeagerstarborn]

From Tinder-“Tips for DATING SAFELY & being safe while sexually active”

From Tinder-“Tips for DATING SAFELY & being safe while sexually active”

Dating Safely

Tinder brings people together. With more than 20 billion matches made to date and millions of new matches made daily, our community is constantly growing.

With so many people on Tinder, user safety is a priority. We understand that meeting someone for the first time whether online, through an acquaintance or on an outing is intriguing and exciting. However, your safety is very important, and because you are in control of your Tinder experience, there are certain safety steps that you should follow while dating – both online and offline.

We ask you to read the tips and information below, and strongly urge you to follow these guidelines in the interest of your personal safety and well-being. However, you are always the best judge of your own safety, and these guidelines are not intended to be a substitute for your own judgment.

Online Behavior

Protect Your Finances & Never Send Money or Financial Information

Never respond to any request to send money, especially overseas or via wire transfer, and report it to us immediately – even if the person claims to be in an emergency. Wiring money is like sending cash: the sender has no protections against loss and it’s nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money. For more information, click on the video below to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's advice to avoid online dating scams, also available here.

Protect Your Personal Information

Never give personal information, such as: your social security number, credit card number or bank information, or your work or home address to people you don’t know or haven’t met in person.

Note: Tinder will never send you an email asking for your username and password information. Any such communication should be reported immediately.

Be Web Wise

Block and report suspicious users. You can block and report concerns about any suspicious user anonymously at any time on Tinder – while swiping or after you’ve matched. Keep conversations on the platform. Bad actors will try to move the conversation to text, personal email or phone conversations.

Report All Suspicious Behavior

Additionally, please report anyone who violates our terms of use.

Examples of terms of use violations include:

* Asks you for money or donations

* Requesting photographs.

* Minors using the platform

* Users sending harassing or offensive messages

* Users behaving inappropriately after meeting in person

* Fraudulent registration or profiles.

* Spam or solicitation, such as invitations to call 1-900 numbers or attempts to sell products or services.

Offline Behavior

First meetings are exciting, but always take precautions and follow these guidelines to help you stay safe:

Get to Know the Other Person

Keep your communications limited to the platform and really get to know users online/using the app before meeting them in person. Bad actors often push people to communicate off the platform immediately. It’s up to you to research and do your due diligence.

Always Meet and Stay in Public

Meet for the first time in a populated, public place – never in a private or remote location, and never at your home or apartment. If your date pressures you, end the date and leave at once.

Tell Your Friends and Family Members of Your Plans

Inform a friend or family member of your plans and when and where you’re going. Make sure you have your cell phone charged and with you at all times.

Transport Yourself to and from the Meeting

You need to be independent and in control of your own transportation, especially in case things don’t work out.

Stay Sober

Consumption of alcohol and/or other drugs can impair your judgment and potentially put you in danger. It’s important to keep a clear mind and avoid anything that might place you at risk. Be aware that bad actors might try to take advantage of you by altering your beverage(s) with synthetic substances.

Health

Tinder welcomes everyone and empowers our community of users to create and cultivate relationships. An important aspect of any healthy relationship though – whether formed on Tinder or otherwise – is ensuring proper sexual health and safety. And as a member of the Tinder community it is your responsibility to make sure you do the following, if you choose to engage in sexual activity.

Protect Yourself.

You and your partner should use proper protection. Condoms and other mechanisms can significantly reduce the risk of contracting or passing on an STI, such as HIV. To be effective, however, protective measures must be used consistently. Please keep in mind, you can still get certain STIs, like herpes or HPV from contact with your partner’s skin even when using a condom.

Be Open and Honest

It is completely reasonable to have a conversation with your partner regarding sex and sexual contact before actually having it. All issues ranging from the number of partners each of you has had, to the last time each of you was tested for STIs are fair game. Many STIs are curable or treatable. If either you or your partner has an STI that is curable, you both need to start treatment to avoid becoming re-infected. It is important to be completely honest in these conversations.

Vaccinate

The risk of contracting some STIs can be reduced through vaccination. Talk to your doctor or a professional at a sexual health clinic to learn more.

Know Your Status

Know your status. Some STIs don't show symptoms. Regular testing is critical to staying on top of your health and helping prevent the spread of STIs. After testing, always ask for a copy of your test results so you are sure of your status. There are many free, quick and confidential testing options - find the best locations near you using Healthvana's free HIV and STD testing locator.

For Further Help, Support or Advice

In the case that something has happened, immediately call 911. Emergency situations include a recent threat of violence or sexual violence, recent act of violence or sexual violence or if your health or someone else’s is in danger.

If something has happened and you’re in need of help, support or advice pertaining to physical or sexual assault, please call the below 24hr hotlines.

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Hotline

1-800-656-HOPE | www.rainn.org

Planned Parenthood

1-800-230-7526 | www.plannedparenthood.org

National Domestic Violence Hotline

1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or 1-800-787-3224 | www.thehotline.org

[kendraeagerstarborn]

RESOURCES & INFO FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ATTACKS

(Bˀeˀlˀoˀwˀ iˀnˀcˀlˀuˀdˀeˀsˀ mˀyˀ pˀeˀrˀsˀoˀnˀaˀlˀ nˀoˀtˀeˀsˀ oˀnˀ tˀhˀeˀ iˀsˀsˀuˀeˀsˀ wˀiˀtˀhˀ tˀhˀeˀ gˀoˀvˀeˀrˀnˀmˀeˀnˀtˀsˀ pˀoˀlˀiˀcˀiˀeˀsˀ & pˀrˀoˀcˀeˀdˀuˀrˀeˀsˀ rˀeˀgˀaˀrˀdˀiˀnˀgˀ sˀeˀxˀuˀaˀlˀ vˀiˀoˀlˀeˀnˀcˀeˀ )

“PPHP stands with survivors....If you are having trouble, do not be afraid to ask for help.

* National: RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network)-  ‪800-656-HOPE‬ (‪24/7‬)

* Long Island: VIBS- ‪VIBS.org‬ (Victim's Information Bureau)-  631-360-3606 (‪24/7‬)

* Westchester: Westchester Hispanic Coalition: ‪1-844-YA-NO-MAS‬ (Westchester, ‪24/7‬)

* Rockland: Center for Safety and Change:  ‪845-634-3344‬ (‪24/7‬)

* Westchester: Victim's Assistance Services: ‪914-345-9111‬ (24-Hour Rape Crisis Hotline) / ‪855-827-2255‬ (Victims Assistance Hotline)

 In solidarity

Acacia Bamberg Salatti

Vice President, External Affairs

Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic “

FROM: Ovs.ny.gov

Office of victim services -by state

Info for

Crime Victim Rights

[[[-these are Only a few of the answers from the site, much more there]]]

-Do I have any legal rights as a crime victim?  Do different victims have different rights?

Yes, you have many, many rights as a crime victim.  Child victims have additional rights beyond those of adult victims, and there are some specific rights afforded domestic violence victims and rape and sexual assault victims. Please see the Rights of Crime Victims pamphlet for a comprehensive answer to these questions.

Crime Victim Rights

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/sexual_violence/

Above link for below:

NY STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

“Sexual Violence Prevention Program's (SVPP)

* SVPP Home Page

* Enough is Enough Program

* Rape Prevention and Education Program

* Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE)

Sexual Violence Prevention Program

Mission Statement

The Sexual Violence Prevention Program's (SVPP) mission is to improve societal response to sexual violence and promote primary prevention strategies that reduce the incidence of victimization from rape or sexual assault in New York State. SVPP approaches sexual violence from a public health perspective, with emphasis on primary prevention, including efforts to change social norms, behaviors, and practices, to cultivate a community climate free from violence.

What is sexual violence?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines sexual violence as any sexual act committed against someone without that person's freely given consent. Sexual violence includes

* Completed or attempted forced penetration of a victim.

* Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated penetration of a victim.

* Completed or attempted forced acts in which a victim is made to penetrate a perpetrator or someone else.

* Completed or attempted alcohol/drug-facilitated acts in which a victim is made to penetrate a perpetrator or someone else.

* Non-physically forced penetration which occurs after a person is pressured verbally or through intimidation or misuse of authority to consent or acquiesce.

* Unwanted sexual contact.

* Non-contact unwanted sexual experiences.

What is consent?

NEW YORK State defines affirmative consent as a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Consent can be given by words or actions, as long as those words or actions create clear permission regarding willingness to engage in the sexual activity. Silence or lack of resistance, in and of itself, does not demonstrate consent. The definition of consent does not vary based upon a participant's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.”

{{HERE ARE The PˀRˀOˀBˀLˀEˀMˀs I HAVE with above & WHAT CHANGES I THINK NEED TO BE MADE-==>

The First definition issue:

what action could determine consent?!? It’s a LˀOˀOˀPˀHˀOˀLˀEˀ & lˀaˀwˀyˀeˀrˀsˀ (scarily )lˀoˀvˀeˀ tˀhˀoˀsˀeˀ!

My thing is if you don’t feel comfortable asking for consent it’s because you know you won’t get it!

It’s why states need to clarify the definition of what consensual sex is and also only allow affirmative consent to be defined as spoken consent in the absence of physical threats or drugs in eithers’ system.

Secondly, & a Big problem -SEX is about two consensual partners but this is wrongly blending the definitions of sex & rape. RAPE is about one persons need for power and control over another person -a rapist doesn’t want consent, and may even plan out attacks in order to satisfy the NY State’s definition of consent -“where the victim’s actions create clear permission regarding willingness” -by “roofie-ing” or drugging the victim. Thereby not in violation of the law (though clearly still not getting consent) and could potentially avoid jail time all because NEW YORK state hasn’t properly defined sexual assault or consent.

A third issue with the current legal doctrine is that :

THE consent definition DOESNT INCLUDE :

CONSENT GIVEN BECAUSE OF VIOLENCE OR THREATS

Although that clearly cannot be considered CONSENT!) & it creates another loophole, where a violent rapist could be found innocent because consent was given within the context of this definition

all of which ==>sˀuˀcˀhˀ BˀSˀ!!!

If we write or call our senators we CAN CHANGE these definitions That literally control our freedoms as women and our legal rights and determine whether our attacker goes to jail or remains free to prey on others.

Ask for a change to how the law is written. Tell them why if you’re up for it.

Remember, These are your elected officials, they are elected to serve the public’s needs and protect all of our rights so it’s not like it’s too much to ask for basic protections.

Sexual Violence Helplines

* In an emergency, call 911.

* 1-800-942-6906: New York State Domestic & Sexual Violence Hotline for confidential assistance.

* 1-844-845-7269: Report sexual assault on a New York college campus to the New York State Police.

* New York City: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or 311.

What to do after a rape or sexual assault?

* Get to a safe place. If you are injured or in danger, call 911.

* Seek medical treatment as soon as possible for all HIV post-exposure, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy testing and treatment options at the nearest emergency department.

* HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 2 hours. Decisions regarding initiation of PEP beyond 36 hours post exposure should be made on a case-by-case basis.

* Upon arrival, the hospital will offer assistance from a local rape crisis advocate. The advocate will be able to answer any of your questions about a forensic exam, accompany you through the entire examination, and provide follow-up resources.

* A forensic exam, also known as a "rape kit", is the collection of evidence in the emergency department after a sexual assault occurred or within 96 hour

NOTES-> ITS NˀOˀTˀ EˀNˀOˀUˀGˀHˀ TˀIˀMˀEˀ!!! (4 dˀaˀyˀsˀ & oˀnˀlˀyˀ iˀfˀ sˀeˀmˀeˀnˀ sˀtˀiˀlˀlˀ pˀrˀeˀsˀeˀnˀtˀ?!?-> tˀhˀiˀsˀ should bˀeˀ tˀhˀeˀ fˀiˀrˀsˀtˀ cˀhˀaˀnˀgˀeˀ made to our laws-aˀtˀ lˀeˀaˀsˀtˀ oˀfˀfˀeˀrˀ the rape kit as an OˀTˀCˀ -option aˀtˀ aˀlˀlˀ pˀhˀaˀrˀmˀaˀcˀiˀeˀsˀ & gˀrˀoˀcˀeˀrˀiˀeˀsˀ !)

-also issue of wˀhˀaˀtˀ iˀfˀ the victim cˀaˀnˀ'tˀ gˀeˀtˀ tˀoˀ sˀtˀoˀrˀeˀ tˀoˀoˀ!!?!

* To preserve as much DNA as possible, do not shower, use the bathroom or wash your clothes prior to going to the emergency room.

*

Pˀrˀoˀbˀlˀeˀmˀ hˀeˀrˀeˀ -tˀhˀoˀsˀeˀ aˀrˀeˀ eˀvˀeˀrˀyˀtˀhˀiˀnˀgˀ yˀoˀuˀ iˀnˀsˀtˀiˀnˀcˀtˀiˀvˀeˀlˀyˀ dˀoˀ rˀiˀgˀhˀtˀ aˀfˀtˀeˀrˀ wˀhˀeˀnˀ sˀtˀiˀlˀlˀ iˀnˀ sˀhˀoˀcˀkˀ (& EˀSˀPˀ iˀfˀ dˀoˀnˀ'tˀ kˀnˀoˀwˀ oˀpˀtˀiˀoˀnˀsˀ) &wˀhˀaˀtˀ iˀfˀ tˀhˀeˀ EˀRˀ cˀaˀnˀ'tˀ sˀeˀeˀ yˀoˀuˀ bˀeˀfˀoˀrˀeˀ yˀoˀuˀ nˀeˀeˀdˀ tˀoˀ pˀeˀeˀ?! Nˀoˀtˀ sˀuˀrˀeˀ rˀaˀpˀeˀ cˀaˀsˀeˀsˀ aˀrˀeˀ tˀrˀeˀaˀtˀeˀdˀ aˀsˀ eˀrˀ pˀrˀiˀoˀrˀiˀtˀyˀ& tˀhˀeˀ tˀiˀmˀeˀfˀrˀaˀmˀeˀ aˀlˀsˀoˀ dˀeˀpˀeˀnˀdˀeˀnˀtˀ oˀnˀ nˀuˀmˀbˀeˀrˀ oˀfˀ rˀaˀpˀeˀ kˀiˀtˀ qˀuˀaˀlˀiˀfˀiˀeˀdˀ nˀuˀrˀsˀeˀsˀ wˀoˀrˀkˀiˀnˀgˀ wˀhˀeˀnˀ gˀoˀ iˀnˀ.

* If you are uncomfortable with any part of the exam, you do not have to consent

(pˀrˀoˀbˀlˀeˀmˀsˀ-tˀhˀeˀnˀ iˀtˀ mˀaˀyˀ nˀoˀtˀ hˀoˀlˀdˀ uˀpˀ iˀnˀ cˀoˀuˀrˀtˀ fˀoˀrˀ lˀaˀcˀkˀ oˀfˀ eˀvˀiˀdˀeˀnˀcˀeˀ pˀlˀuˀsˀ bˀiˀgˀgˀeˀrˀ iˀsˀsˀuˀeˀ oˀfˀ nˀoˀ oˀnˀeˀ wˀaˀnˀtˀsˀ tˀoˀ bˀeˀ nˀaˀkˀeˀdˀ aˀnˀdˀ dˀeˀfˀiˀnˀiˀtˀeˀlˀyˀ nˀoˀtˀ tˀoˀuˀcˀhˀeˀdˀ rˀiˀgˀhˀtˀ aˀfˀtˀeˀrˀ!)

-iˀtˀ dˀoˀeˀsˀnˀ'tˀ sˀaˀyˀ tˀhˀiˀsˀ bˀuˀtˀ tˀaˀkˀiˀnˀgˀ pˀlˀaˀnˀ Bˀ eˀmˀeˀrˀgˀeˀnˀcˀyˀ cˀoˀnˀtˀrˀaˀcˀeˀpˀtˀiˀvˀeˀ sˀhˀoˀuˀlˀdˀ bˀeˀ lˀiˀsˀtˀeˀdˀ aˀsˀ sˀoˀmˀeˀtˀhˀiˀnˀgˀ tˀoˀ dˀoˀ rˀiˀgˀhˀtˀ aˀfˀtˀeˀrˀ

For more information about what to do after an assault, please call the NYS Sexual Violence Hotline at 1-800-942-6906 to be connected to your local rape crisis center (available 24/7/365) or visit the National Sexual Violence Resource Center website at nsvrc.org.

* Click here for more information about the New York State Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner (SAFE) Program.

New York State

>>Approved <<

Rape Crisis Programs

Rape crisis programs around the state provide care and support to victims of sexual violence. Every program offers the following services:

* 24-hour crisis intervention services

* Short-term counseling

* Accompaniment and advocacy

* Information and referral services

((Site had more info including locations mapped out ))

https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/sexual_violence/

Division of Criminal Justice Services

Violence Against Women

Information on the NYS Sexual Offense Evidence Collection Kit is available in HTML format for viewing on your browser

In November of 2003, The Division of Criminal Justice Services made available a Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault evidence collection kit for use in sexual assault cases where it is suspected that drugs were used to facilitate the assault.The initial release memo details the issue of the new kits. You may also download an alert sheet (PDF), and a release form, by which a victim can authorize the release of evidence kit information to law enforcement and prosecution personnel.

[kendraeagerstarborn]

The U S Governments definition of sexual assault & article from Self.com “ What Is Sexual Assault (and what Isn’t), According to The Law” by Korin Miller & links to 2 Teen Vogue articles with excerpt from 1- “What to Do Immediately After A Sexual Attack”

This post includes

1-How the GOVERNMENT DEFINES WHAT IS AND ISNT CONSENT LEGALLY from the New York State Sexual Violence Prevention Program website

(Along with my notes on the changes that need to be made to it so that all survivors can successfully prosecute their attackers as well as the legal loopholes to be wary of)

AND

2-Self.com’s 11/3/17 article “ What Is Sexual Assault (and what Isn’t), According to The Law” by Korin Miller

(This story helps explain the various state by state definitions of sexual assault and why it varies as well as how pop culture can influence or bias the court rulings of jurors in rape cases)

AND

3-Teen Vogue Article Links for

“SELF CARE TIPS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS”

&

“What to Do Immediately After A Sexual Attack” with partial excerpt

https://www.self.com/story/sexual-assault-definition =>Link for following article

Culture November 3, 2017Korin Miller

What Is Sexual Assault (and What Isn't), According to the Law

What actually constitutes sexual assault is not always clear.

Adrian Samson / Getty ImagesSexual assault and harassment have been in the news a lot lately, largely due to allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, as well as those that have been raised

against House of Cards actor Kevin Spacey.

First, a recap: On Oct. 5, The New York Times published an investigative report detailing a number of sexual harassment allegations women have made about Weinstein over the past three decades. In the weeks that followed, even more women came forward to share their own experiences with sexual assault and harassment. These allegations often had nothing to do with Weinstein; instead, women were sharing their stories using the hashtag #MeToo to show just how many people have been impacted by sexual assault and harassment.

Then, on Oct. 30, BuzzFeed reported that actor Anthony Rapp alleged that Spacey had made an unwanted sexual advance toward him in 1986. Rapp was 14 at the time, and Spacey was 26. Spacey issued an apology on Oct. 31, writing, "I honestly do not remember the encounter; it would have been over 30 years ago. But if I did behave then as he describes, I owe him the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate drunken behavior, and I am sorry for the feelings he describes having carried with him all these years." In the same apology, Spacey made a public statement about his sexual orientation for the first time. The actor said he's had relationships with both men and women and now lives as a gay man. Some criticizedSpacey for including this in his apology, noting that it may conflate homosexuality with pedophilia in a way that is inappropriate, unfair, and harmful to the LGBTQ community.

This increasing public conversation surrounding sexual assault and harassment is an important step toward addressing a prevalent and dangerous societal issue. But the definition of sexual assault according to the law isn’t always clear. Here, we breakdown what legally constitutes sexual assault, harassment, and more. What does “sexual assault” actuallymean?

It’s actually harder to define than you’d think. According to the United States Department of Justice, sexual assault is “any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient.” Sexual assault is basically an umbrella term that includes sexual activities such as rape, fondling, and attempted rape

However, the legal definition varies depending on which state you’re in, and can even be different depending on where you were when the assault happened, Emily Austin, director of advocacy services for California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, tells SELF. For example, she says, sexual assault on college campuses in California means a sex act that occurred without affirmative consent (which is described as active, voluntary participation), while California criminal law defines rape as nonconsensual sexual intercourse, and other laws govern different forms of sexual assault beyond intercourse. “It’s complex,” she admits.

The definitions can vary because of the way in which our laws are made, explains Rebecca O'Connor, vice president of public policy at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the largest anti-sexual assault organization in the U.S. “On the state

level, because nothing is simple, the states have sovereignty over laws, and different legislatures and jurors have crafted different definitions of specific behaviors,” she tells SELF. Some states explicitly define rape or sexual assault and others may not, but fold that behavior under different terminology. “It runs the gamut,” she says, adding that states typically create these definitions with guidance from the Department of Justice. However, the details are crafted on a state level, often based on local cases that set a precedent for how sexual assault is phrased and determined.

Generally, sexual assault falls into one of three categories.Jennifer Gentile Long, the chief executive officer of AEquitas: The Prosecutors' Resource on Violence Against Women, a global project she co-founded in April 2009, tells SELF those include:

Penetration crimes Of a body part by another body part (i.e., penal penetration of mouth, anus, vagina) Of a body part by an object

Contact with genitalia, breast, buttocks, or other intimate body parts

Exposure of genitalia, breast, buttocks or other intimate body parts

According to Austin, sexual harassment can include sexual assault (such as rape and/or grabbing), but it’s also broader. Sexual harassment “includes creating a hostile environment, pervasive jokes/comments, looks, and body language that makes an individual feel harassed,” she says. But, again, the exact definition can vary by state.

As for “locker room talk,” experts say it's not usually a crime, but it can feed into a

culture of sexual harassment. “From a prosecution perspective, we are always thinking about how sexuality and sexual violence portrayed in media, music, film, video games, and culture, impacts the way jurors and criminal justice professionals evaluate evidence in a case and render just and fair decisions without bringing in misinformation and bias,” Long says. The more pervasive "locker room talk," the more likely people may be biased into thinking a crime like sexual harassment is normal and OK.O’Connor agrees, noting that it’s not a crime but still carries a lot of weight. “Any language or phrase that condones sexual violence is dangerous because it attempts to

brush away allegations of criminal behavior,” she says. O’Connor says sexual assault and

harassment is “woefully underreported” and “locker room talk” marginalizes victims.

(O’Connor also notes that RAINN’s hotline has had a 33 percent increase in sessions since Trump’s 2005 comments surfaced.)

However, in some situations, “locker room talk” could actually be seen as a form of sexual harassment, Austin says. She cites inappropriate jokes or pinup pictures in the

workforce as potentially creating a hostile work environment, which could fall under the umbrella of sexual harassment.

What should you do if you know or suspect that you’ve been a victim of sexual harassment or assault?

Austin recommends finding a sexual violence advocate near you, like a rape crisis center.

“Most sexual assault advocates have a certain level of privileged communication—they

can keep the conversation confidential, even against a subpoena,” she says. “This allows a survivor to really explore their options.” They can also set up evidence collection (like a rape kit) and contact law enforcement, if needed and you want to pursue your legal options. And, if you’re not exactly sure what to call the sexual violence you were the victim of, a counselor can help. Austin says this is a good option if the idea of going directly to the authorities is intimidating to you.

However, Long says you shouldn’t be afraid to report a crime. “I would encourage people

who have been the victim of rape and/or sexual assault to come forward and report the crime, and to expect to be treated with respect and dignity,” she says. “Regardless of whether one is willing or able to engage with the criminal justice system, I encourage each survivor to seek medical attention as well as support through a rape crisis center or a trauma-informed therapist.”

And, above all, O’Connor says it’s important to keep this in mind: “Know that it’s not OK, and it’s not the victim’s fault—ever.”

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org.

& Check Out these Important Reads via LINKS BELOW

1) ᒪIᑎK TO TEEᑎ ᐯOGᑌE ᗩᖇTIᑕᒪE -“SELF CARE TIPS FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS” ↣ https://www.teenvogue.com/story/self-care-tips-for-sexual-assault-survivors

& 2) ✵✱.ⒺⓍⒸⒺⓇⓅⓉ ⒻⓇⓄⓜ❊✫✽

https://www.teenvogue.com/story/sexual-assault-help

✪”WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY AFTER A SEXUAL ATTACK”

↦ "...In the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault, it can be hard know what to do or what to think. Before you do anything else, it’s important to make sure that you’re safe: “If you are still in immediate danger, call 911,” Katherine Hull Fliflet, vice president of communications at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, tells Teen Vogue. If your attacker is still nearby, it’s important to get yourself to a safe place, preferably with a close friend or relative.

It’s also important to get one thing straight about what just happened: “Know that it was not your fault,” Fiflet says. Whatever you do next is up to you — it’s your body, your life, your mental health and well-being, and only you know what’s best for you. But if you do choose to seek assistance after sexual assault, there are many people who want to help you. Here’s what to expect, step by step, if you do choose to seek help.

If you want to reach out for help immediately after an assault, you want to reach out for help immediately after an assault, a good first action is to call the National Sexual Assault hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), where you can talk to a trained professional from a local sexual assault service provider. The hotline provides “24/7, judgment-free, and confidential help that can direct you to the nearest health center that cares for rape victims, or that handles sexual assault forensic exams,” Fliflet explains. Not comfortable speaking over the phone?

You can also access trained professionals online, which mirrors the help you’d receive via telephone.

The hotline platforms used by RAINN do not transcribe conversations or capture the IP address of those seeking help, so you can be sure your chat is 100% anonymous.

If you want to seek medical help after an assault, a local sexual assault service provider can assist you in finding the right kind of care, tell you what local hospitals treat rape survivors, and even accompany you to a medical center if you wish...”

See rest of article @ teen vogue (link above)

[kendraeagerstarborn]

Crime Victim Rights

Ovs.ny.gov

Office of victim services -by state

Info for

Crime Victim Rights

[[[-Only a few of the answers from the site, much more there]]]

-Do I have any legal rights as a crime victim?  Do different victims have different rights?

Yes, you have many, many rights as a crime victim.  Child victims have additional rights beyond those of adult victims, and there are some specific rights afforded domestic violence victims and rape and sexual assault victims. Please see the Rights of Crime Victims pamphlet for a comprehensive answer to these questions.

Crime Victim Rights

Do I have any legal rights as a crime victim?  Do different victims have different rights?

Do I have the right to know what is happening to the person accused of committing the crime against me?

Yes, you do have many rights to know about the status of the judicial proceedings for the person accused of committing the crime against you.  You have the right, too, to know the final disposition of the case and, in certain cases, you may be entitled to know of an inmate's release from jail.  Please see the Rights of Crime Victims pamphlet for a detailed answer to this and many other questions on victims' rights.  Also, to learn about the services of the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) program, see our Help for Crime Victims page or go to

http://www.doccs.ny.gov/VictimSvc/vsoverview.html

Below excerpt from

Ovs .gov site

Restitution

“What is restitution?

Who is entitled to restitution?

Anyone who has been the victim of a criminal offense and has suffered injuries, economic losses or damages can seek restitution.  Many times, victims who deserve restitution do not request it.  This can occur because victims are not aware that they are entitled to restitution, or do not know what steps to take to go about receiving the restitution they deserve. 

-How do I ask for restitution?

You should contact the DA's office and advise them of the extent of your injury, your out-of-pocket losses and the amount of damages you are requesting.

IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to give the police, DA and upon request, the local probation department copies of the bills and other documents showing the extent of your injuries, your out-of-pocket losses and the amount of damages you want considered by the Court!  Your claim for restitution will be included in any probation investigation report (pre-sentence, pre-plea or pre-disposition report). 

—————————————

Report on raise in numbers of reported rape cases in NY

“They are up 28 percent since January. Of the 1,348 rape complaints, 54 percent were committed by acquaintances, 39 percent by family members and 7 percent by strangers.”-CBS NEWS re NYC SVU EXPANSION

From NEWS STORY:

“NYPD Ramps Up SVU Following Surge In Rape Cases – CBS New York”