What to do After Sexual Assault

It can be very difficult to know what to do or what your options are after you have been sexually assaulted.  It is important to remember sexual assault is never your fault, and help is always available.

Find a Rape Crisis Center

Maryland's Rape Crisis and Recovery Centers provide survivors with confidential services like crisis intervention and counseling. They also offer victim accompaniment to hospitals, police interviews, and court. Services are provided to adult, adolescent, and child survivors, as well as to their families, partners, and loved ones.

Know Your Rights & Get Legal Help

Survivors have the right to be treated with dignity, respect and sensitivity during the criminal justice process.  The Sexual Assault Legal Institute helps protect those rights by providing comprehensive legal services to survivors of sexual violence statewide.

Getting Medical Attention

After a sexual assault, it's important to consider getting medical attention. Seeking treatment at one of the several hospitals throughout Maryland that have a SAFE program will give you access to a free medical forensic exam by personnel specially trained to treat survivors of sexual assault. The exam will address medical issues such as injuries, STI and pregnancy prevention, and the collection of potential DNA evidence. In order to collect potentional evidence, the healthcare professional will complete a sexual assault evidence kit (or 'rape kit'). This process will be completed even if you choose to not report the crime to law enforcement at the time of your exam.

Abortion Access

Sexual assault survivors, survivors of reproductive coercion, women, and all pregnant people deserve access to abortion care. Abortion is still legal in Maryland. 

Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

The Maryland Sexual Assault Kit Inititiative (SAKI) is a statewide effort to submit all eligible sexual assault evidence kits (SAEKs) collected prior to May 2018 for testing. If you had a sexual assault forensic exam and reported a sexual assault to law enforcement prior to May 2018, your sexual assault evidence kit ("rape kit") may be considered for forensic testing under the SAKI Project. MCASA is encouraging survivors who are seeking information about their kit to contact an MCASA SAKI Advocate to discuss any kit testing status updates. 

Money Matters

Sexual assault can have serious effects on a survivor’s ability to become financially stable. The Money Matters project examines both the financial impact of sexual assault on survivors, and ways to support the economic empowerment of survivors. A key piece of economic empowerment is the knowledge of possible legal remedies that can support someone’s financial stability. This page highlights potential options for survivors seeking financial stability.

Resources For Incarcerated Survivors

All survivors of sexual violence deserve compassion and support. If you or your loved one has experienced sexual assault, harassment, or abuse while incarcerated in Maryland, resources and support are available to you.

Other Links and Resources

Help and information is always available. Click below to access resources about the Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE) system, victim compensation, safety planning, and resources for underserved populations.

How Can I Help a Friend Who Has Been Assaulted?

Having a friend or loved one experience sexual assault can be a very difficult experience. Knowing the best ways to support someone during these challenging times can help.