If you were assaulted, remember that this violation of your body was not your fault, and you deserve to feel safe and supported. We believe you.
If you have been sexually assaulted, help is available.
Domestic Violence Intervention Services (DVIS) offers confidential services for all survivors of intimate partner and sexual violence regardless of race, religion, sexuality, immigration status, age, etc.
- Call the DVIS 24-Hour Crisis Line (918).743.5763 or (918)-7HELP.ME to speak with an advocate.
- Text the DVIS Help Line from 8 PM-1 AM. Text SAFE to 207-777 to speak with an advocate over text.
- DVIS works with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) to give survivors of sexual assault the option to have forensic evidence collected within 120 hours of an assault. This evidence can be used in prosecuting suspected rapists if the survivor chooses to file charges.
If you call DVIS, you will be connected to a survivors’ advocate that will assist you by connecting you with services, including a SANE exam and counseling, to help you navigate the aftermath of an assault.
DVIS works with the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) to ensure timely and accurate collection of forensic evidence for use in prosecuting suspected rapists if the survivor chooses to pursue this. Along with collecting/preserving forensic evidence, a SANE exam includes preventative health care. This service is still free and available to adults who do not want to report their sexual assault.
If a sexual assault or abuse involves someone under the age of 18, it must be reported to the police.
What to expect at a Sexual Assault Exam
It is recommended that adult survivors get a rape examination within 120 hours (5 days) after the assault. If possible, child survivors should get a rape examination within 72 hours (3 days) following an assault. This will allow the most accurate and prompt collection of forensic evidence, preventative health care, and treatment of any physical injuries.
If the time frame for getting a rape examination has passed, a survivor still might be able to get the exam. Help is available. Reach out to a DVIS advocate for assistance by calling 918.743.5763.
Things to keep in mind before your exam:
- Do NOT shower, bathe, change clothes, douche, brush teeth, drink or eat, or throw away any clothing until police or medical personnel says that it’s okay. Preserve as much evidence as possible.
- If you have already done any of the above, it is still possible to receive an exam.
- During the exam, things like your clothing and DNA swabs will be collected. If you have any physical evidence such as bed sheets, towels, or clothing that you have already changed out of, please bring those as evidence.
- The sexual assault exam team will include a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, trained staff, and potentially trained volunteers.
Reporting an assault to the police
- If the sexual assault or abuse involves someone under the age of 18, it must be reported to the police
- If you are an adult age 18 and over, you may choose whether to report to the police. Even if you underwent a SANE exam, reporting to the police is optional.
- Call DVIS at 918.743.5763 to get connected with an advocate who can help you with the reporting process
Mental Health and Counseling
Whether or not you chose to report your assault or get a SANE exam, counseling support is available.
You are not alone. It is common to experience feelings of anger, helplessness, fear, and shame in the aftermath of an assault. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder may appear through anxiety attacks, sleep difficulties, suicidal thoughts, flashbacks, etc.
Call the DVIS 24-Hour Crisis Line (918).743.5763 or (918)-7HELP.ME to speak with an advocate, who can get you the support that you deserve and need. DVIS counselors are trained to help you through traumatic experiences.
If you were assaulted, remember that this was not your fault. You did not ask to be attacked, and you deserve to feel safe and supported. We believe you.