ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT. YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Sexual Assault can be an extremely traumatic experience. As a survivor of sexual assault, you may have been hurt both physically and emotionally. Feelings of anger, guilt, shame and fear are common reactions. In addition to dealing with these emotions, you may also be concerned about being infected with a sexually transmitted disease or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
During this difficult time, you need to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. This document is designed to provide you with information about sexually transmitted diseases and medical and counseling services that are available to help you deal with your concerns. Remember - it is not your fault and you are not alone.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED?
Go to a safe place and call the police. The sooner you report the assault, the greater the chances that the offender will be caught. You should seek medical attention immediately. Because sexual assault is a violent act, you may need treatment for injuries such as bruises, cuts, broken bones or internal injuries. It is also possible that as a result of the sexual assault you may have been infected with a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
It is important that you be examined so evidence can be collected. DO NOT SHOWER BEFORE BEING EXAMINED. Evidence collected immediately after an assault is very important to the investigation of the offense.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY AFTER AN ASSAULT?
Get medical attention as soon as possible. It is important that you get a medical examination and are tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Even though the results may turn up negative the first time, you should be tested again in 3-6 months.
HOW CAN I GET COUNSELING AND/OR INFORMATION ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES?
Most sexual assault crisis centers have hotlines operated by sexual assault counselors who understand sexual assault and will talk with you confidentially. Phone numbers are listed below.
Most medical testing centers also provide counseling. If counseling is not available at the testing site you have chosen, the Victim Witness Advocate from the United States Attorney's Office will assist you in making arrangements for counseling.
TESTING FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE AND HIV
HOW MUCH WILL TESTING COST?
Your rights as a victim entitle you to testing at no cost to you. Phone number of some testing sites are listed below. If you are unable to locate a free testing site, contact the Victim Witness Advocate at the United States Attorney's Office, who will arrange for testing at no cost to you.
WHO WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE TEST RESULTS?
You have the right to have up to two confidential and anonymous tests. This means that at the testing site, no name or identifying information is recorded to link test results to individuals, Instead code names or numbers are used so that you are the only one who can find out your test results.
DO I NEED TO BE TESTED AGAIN?
You should be tested a second time approximately six months after the sexual assault. Even though an initial test is negative, you could still be infected with HIV. It can take up to six months after infection for antibodies to show up on a test. The U.S. Attorney's Office can assist you in obtaining this second test at no cost to you.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF THE DEFENDANT IS INFECTED WITH HIV/AIDS?
You cannot be infected with HIV if the offender does not have AIDS or has not been infected with HIV. As the victim of a sexual assault, you have the right to request that the defendant be tested for Acquired Immune Deficiency. (The law only allows for a defendant to be tested for HIV/AIDS, not for other sexually transmitted diseases). The U. S. Attorney's Office can assist you with your request that the defendant be tested.
The Assistant U. S. Attorney assigned to your case will present the request to the judge. If the initial test is negative, the judge can order the defendant to be tested again six and twelve months after the initial test.
WHAT ABOUT THE DEFENDANT'S TEST RESULTS?
The results of the defendant's test will be given to you, however you will only be allowed to share this information with your doctor, counselor, family member or any sexual partner(s) you may have had since the sexual assault. Disclosure of these results to anyone else is a violation of law.
HOW TO CONTACT US:
Victim Witness Unit
United States Attorney's Office
1225 17th Street, Suite 700
DENVER, COLORADO 80202
303-454-0100
1-888-751-4450
For additional information and a list of free testing sites nearest you contact:
National Aids Hotline 1-800-342-2437
National STD Hotline 1-800-227-8922
National AIDS Information Clearinghouse 1-800-458-5231
AIDS Counseling & Information Hotline 1-800-590-2437
Colorado Aids Project Information 303-830-2437
AIDS Hotline 303-436-9553