Sexual Assault Services

What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual Violence is a crime of violence, power and control. It happens when a person is forced, threatened or coerced into sexual contact against her or his will. It includes unwanted touching, kissing and rape. Anyone may be a victim of rape: women, men or children, straight or gay. Sexual violence is not the victim’s fault. No one deserves or asks to be raped or assaulted. What a person wears, how much they drink or how they act does not mean they want to participate in sexual activity. It is also not the victim’s fault if they are unable to consent because of alcohol, drugs or disability.

Facts About Sexual Violence 

• Every 73 seconds another American is sexually assaulted.
• One in 6 women and 1 in 33 men are victims of sexual violence within their lifetimes.
• 8 out of 10 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim.
• 34% of sexual violence and rape victims are under age 12, and 66% of victims of sexual violence and rape are age 12-17.
• 3 out of 4 sexual assaults go unreported.
• Out of every 1,000 sexual assaults, 995 perpetrators will go free.

Indicators of Sexual Abuse in Relationships 

• Ignoring you when you say “no” to sex
• Pressuring you to perform sexual acts that make you feel uncomfortable or humiliated
• Telling you it’s your “duty” to have sex
• Forcing you to look at pornography
• Demanding sex when you’re sick or physically unable to participate
• Hitting or choking during sex
• Expecting sex after an argument/fight

If you are a sexual violence survivor, you are not alone! Help is available.

Call our confidential 24-hour hotline at 540-667-6466.

Our services are free and confidential and include:

• 24-hour Hotline:  540-667-6466
  Available to provide help, information and referrals to those in crisis.

• Adult Therapy
  Therapy services (relative to sexual trauma) are provided to survivors of sexual violence at no charge. Services are provided by a licensed or license-eligible professional.

• Child Therapy
  Therapy services provided to child survivors of sexual violence/abuse, ages 5 – 17. These services are provided free of charge by a licensed or license-eligible professional.

• Individual Psycho-Educational Counseling
  Education, emotional support and empowerment to non-offending caregivers, men, women, and teens who have experienced victimization at any time in their lives.

• Support Groups for Women, Men and Teens
  Topics include boundaries, healing, trauma, self-esteem, healthy relationships, and expression through art and journaling.

• Crisis Intervention Companions
  Trained staff and volunteers are available 24-7 to provide advocacy, support and crisis intervention to non-offending caregivers and victims of sexual assault at Winchester Medical Center.  Crisis Intervention Companions are referred to the victim by forensic nurses and the service is provided at the victim’s discretion.

• Legal Companionship/Advocacy
  Advocates provide support and accompany victims/non-offending caregivers when filing reports and protective orders as well as attending court hearings and trials.  Our Advocates, Law Enforcement, Victim Witness, Commonwealth Attorneys, Social Services and court personnel work together in an effort to provide the best services possible for victims.

• Outreach and Education
  Sexual Harassment/Sexual Violence Education is available to any person, group or organization.  We currently provide training for law enforcement, emergency medical services/first responders, medical staff, as well as college, high school and middle school students and staff.