Family Crisis Resource Center, Inc.

Statistics

In 2002, there were 24,730 victims of rape, attempted rape or sexual assault/abuse. (National Crime Victimization Survey–NCVS)
Every 2 minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted. (RAINN)
Rape/sexual assault is one of the most underreported crimes in America. (RAINN)
FCRC served 203 adult and child victims of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse, or incest in 2007

What are SART Services?
The Allegany County Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) is comprised of members from various community agencies who work together to provide a coordinated community response to victims of sexual assault. The Core Members are representatives of Western Maryland Health Systems (WMHS), law enforcement, and Family Crisis Resource Center (FCRC). FCRC provides advocacy to victims from initial contact through completion of case. Services are available to all victims of sexual assault/abuse.

What if it happens to you?
FCRC respects a victim’s right to confidentiality. (*Confidentiality does not apply in the same manner to cases in which the victim is a minor. FCRC staff are mandated by law to report suspected child physical and sexual abuse to the proper authorities). The options presented below are meant to inform the public of choices available. If you are sexually assaulted, you may:

Call 911. It is your decision whether to contact the authorities.
Seek immediate medical attention. Western Maryland Health Service provides trained Forensic Nurse Examiners who are available 24-hours a day to complete a rape exam. If you do not want to do this, you may still go to the Emergency Room (ER) or contact your own physician. Pregnancy testing may also be completed and STI treatment provided. Rape victims may also choose to have an evidence kit completed without law enforcement involvement through the “Jane Doe Reporting Protocol.”
Preserve all physical evidence. This evidence may prove valuable if you proceed in the courts. Do not bathe, wash, or douche. Secure the clothing you were wearing—unwashed and in a paper bag.
Call and talk with a counselor (FCRC helpline is open 24-hours). FCRC provides accompaniment to law enforcement, hospitals, and the State’s Attorneys Office.

What if it happens to someone you love?
A victim’s friends and family members may experience a sense of helplessness. Here are a few suggestions on how you might help.

Try and remain calm and reasonable.
Give your friend the opportunity to talk, but don’t force.
Communicate compassion and acceptance.
Remind your friend that they are not to blame.
Let your friend know he/she is not alone.
Respect the decisions made, even though you may not agree with them.
Contact the helpline if you need someone to talk to.

What can you expect?
Most sexual assault/abuse survivors are recovering from what was, for them, a life-threatening and terrifying experience. Every survivor of sexual assault reacts differently and each survivor heals in their own time. Below are some common experiences of rape survivors.

PHYSICAL	SOCIAL/RELATIONSHIPS	EMOTIONAL
Injuries Sleep disruptions Nightmares Flashbacks Sexually Transmitted Diseases Pregnancy	Afraid to be alone Afraid to be around other people Afraid of men Difficulty trusting Difficulty with intimate relationships	Fear Embarrassment Shame Anger Depression Helpless Numbness

How can FCRC help?
Victims of sexual assault/abuse experience many challenges as they recover. FCRC provides services to assist victims of rape, sexual assault/abuse, and incest. FCRC’s 24-hour Helpline (301.759.9244) is operated by FCRC staff, trained specifically in crisis intervention and response to victims. Victims can obtain crisis intervention and support from the helpline operators, as well as information and referrals to appropriate FCRC services and community resources.

FCRC provides individual, joint, and family counseling, as well as information and referrals to community resources, accompaniment, and advocacy with other community systems. Individual, joint, and group counseling is available to victims to assist them as they recover from recent or past sexual assaults. Counseling sessions typically last for 50 minutes. Information shared in counseling sessions is completely confidential, except in certain situations. See FAQ “Are you required to report crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault?”

When victims of sexual assault/abuse seek medical attention or report the crime, they often need further information, assistance, and support as they work with the police, court system, and hospitals. This process is often intimidating and overwhelming. FCRC counselors and advocates are available to accompany victims as they work through this process. FCRC counselors and advocates will also assist victims in obtaining information and working to ensure that their rights as a victim are respected. See FAQ “How can I donate money? Where?

Call the FCRC office or hotline to arrange an intake appointment at 301.759.9244.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE • RAPE/SEXUAL ASSAULT • CHILD SERVICES
CROSSROADS • ABUSE INTERVENTION