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Report Sexual Abuse

Report Sexual Assault in Douglas and Coweta County

For many victims, reporting Sexual Assault can be almost as terrifying as the original experience. If you have been sexually assaulted, you don’t have to be afraid, and you don’t have to be alone. The Trinity Center can help you. Call us or contact us 24/7.

What steps should I take after a sexual assault? Can I report rape in Douglasville, Douglas County, or Coweta County?

If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, you can report it to law enforcement. Everyone responds to sexual assault differently. Since most sexual assaults are committed by acquaintances, some victims may feel uncomfortable or uncertain about reporting the incident, or about seeking help. Victims may question their own actions leading up to the assault. They may fear being doubted by friends, family, or even doctors and police officers. These feelings are very normal responses to the trauma you have endured. If you have been the victim of a sexual assault, we encourage you to seek help. Sexual assault is a crime, and you deserve to be protected by the law. If you do choose to report sexual assault or report rape in Douglasville, Douglas County, or Coweta County, you should take the following steps:

  • Call 911.
  • Do not shower or change your clothes. If you do choose to change your clothes, bring them with you. If you have showered, or a day or two has passed since the assault, they may still be able to perform tests to collect evidence of the crime, and they will be able to help you through any physical consequences of the assault.
  • Allow Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) to perform a rape exam to collect evidence for prosecution. Once you arrive and disclose why you are there, hospital representatives will contact the police and a sexual assault advocate for your protection. The police officers will ask you questions about the assault and create a case number. The advocate will be present to answer any questions, promote your needs while you are going through the exam, and offer you support at the level you feel comfortable. Once you have met with the police, a doctor and/or a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will perform a rape exam. The purpose of the exam is to collect evidence for the police. The exam is not meant to prove or disprove your claim of assault, it is merely designed to gather evidence. Many women who are assaulted show NO signs of being assaulted. Police, doctors, and nurses are well aware of this fact and offer the exam in the hopes of collecting evidence, realizing that in some cases, no evidence of the sexual assault remains on the victim.
  • Once the exam is complete, discuss after care concerns with your nurse, and/or advocate.Once your exam is completed, your nurse will discuss topics related to your assault, such as the potential for sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and other related subjects. The hospital may offer an HIV test for you with prophylaxis to prevent certain STDs. They will also discuss options related to pregnancy, other STDs, and any other related options.

Are there costs to getting help from The Trinity Center?

As a non-profit, our services are offered completely free of charge to victims of abuse. Our services are supported by the gracious support of outside funding and donations.

What are my rights for notification of legal proceedings?

You must provide law enforcement a current phone number and address. Once you have provided them with contact information, you have the right to receive the following information from law enforcement and prosecution:

  • Prompt notification of any arrest made in relation to your case.
  • The possibility that the accused may be released prior to trial.
  • Rights that the accused has during the prosecution.
  • Explanation of process during the prosecution of the case.
  • Information on services available to protect victims from threats or intimidations.
  • Notification of any preceding in which the accused might be released.

Can I get into trouble for reporting a sexual assault?

Many young victims are particularly concerned with getting into legal trouble if they were assaulted while drinking or using drugs. While under aged drinking and drug use is a crime, law enforcement is MUCH more concerned with the crimes of sexual assault and therefore, the priority is always to seek help for you or the person you know that is a victim of abuse.

If you or someone you know is a victim of Sexual Assault, please contact The Trinity Center for help today. For help, counseling, guidance, or for more information, please contact us 24/7 at 678-715-1196. If you are in danger, please call 911 immediately.

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