Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Resources: Who to Call and Where to Turn.
We wish we didn't have to share resources like this, but wishes feel meaningless when domestic violence and sexual assault continue at staggering rates. Every time another story of sexual violence comes to light, we are reminded that these are not isolated incidents or someone else's problem. They happen in our schools, workplaces, homes, relationships and communities. They happen to people we know and love, often behind closed doors and often without the rest of us ever knowing. We can't undo the violence someone has experienced, but we can refuse to look away. We can believe survivors, take disclosures seriously, challenge the cultures and systems that allow violence to flourish, and make sure people know where they can turn for help. We're not safe until all vulnerable people are safe from violence and sexual assault.
Sexual violence remains devastatingly common in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) latest national data found that nearly half of women (45.1%) and more than 1 in 6 men have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetimes. About 1 in 5 women reported experiencing completed or attempted rape. LGBTQ+ communities experience disproportionately high rates of sexual violence, and racial disparities are profound: more than 2 in 5 American Indian/Alaska Native and multiracial women have experienced rape in their lifetimes, and 29% of non-Hispanic Black women have experienced rape.
Behind every statistic is a person. Survivors deserve to be believed, supported, protected and connected with compassionate care. There is help available, whether an assault happened today, years ago, or you're trying to support someone you love.
Please save and share this resource list. You never know who in your circle may need it. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, support is available whenever you're ready, and every resource below is free and confidential.
If you are in immediate danger or need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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RAINN | National Sexual Assault Hotline
Call: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Text: HOPE to 64673
24/7 confidential support for survivors of sexual assault. RAINN can connect people with local crisis centers, advocates, counseling, medical care, and sexual-assault forensic exams.
RAINN Sexual Assault Hotline
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National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
24/7 confidential assistance for people experiencing domestic or intimate-partner violence, including sexual violence, coercion, stalking, and abuse.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
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Office on Women’s Health | Sexual Assault & Rape Resources
Federal resources specifically addressing women's health and safety, including information about sexual assault, medical care, forensic exams, safety, and finding local services.
Sexual Assault & Rape Resources for Women
Find Resources for Women by State
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WomensLaw.org
Legal information and assistance for survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, and dating violence. Includes state-specific information about protection orders, custody, finding legal assistance, and victims' rights.
WomensLaw.org
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LGBT National Help Center
LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564
Confidential peer support for LGBTQIA+ people, including help locating LGBTQ+-affirming resources and services.
LGBT National Help Center
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FORGE | Transgender & Nonbinary Survivor Resources
Resources specifically addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, and other violence experienced by transgender and nonbinary people, as well as information for advocates and service providers.
FORGE
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The Trevor Project | LGBTQ+ Youth
Call: 866-488-7386
Text: START to 678678
Crisis intervention and support specifically for LGBTQ+ young people.
The Trevor Project
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LGBT National Youth Talkline
Call: 800-246-7743
Confidential peer support and resource referrals for LGBTQ+ people age 25 and younger.
LGBT National Help Center Youth Resources
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LGBT National Senior Hotline
Call: 888-234-7243
Confidential peer support and resource referrals for LGBTQ+ adults age 50 and older.
LGBT National Help Center Senior Resources
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StrongHearts Native Helpline
Call or text: 844-7NATIVE (844-762-8483)
24/7 confidential, culturally appropriate support for Native American and Alaska Native survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
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Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Call or text: 800-4-A-CHILD (800-422-4453)
24/7 assistance for children, teens, adults, parents, and others concerned about child sexual abuse or other forms of child abuse.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
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DoD Safe Helpline | Military Sexual Assault
Call: 877-995-5247
Confidential, anonymous sexual-assault support for members of the U.S. military and Department of Defense community.
DoD Safe Helpline
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National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call: 888-373-7888
Text: 233733
24/7 support and referrals for people experiencing or concerned about sex trafficking or other forms of human trafficking.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
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VictimConnect Resource Center
Confidential assistance finding local victim services, legal resources, counseling, advocacy, and other support for victims of crime.
VictimConnect Resource Center
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text: 988
24/7 crisis support for anyone experiencing severe emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental-health crisis following sexual assault or abuse.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
About the Author
Melissa is the co-founder of Upstate Mary, a Hudson Valley-based sexual wellness brand rooted in clean ingredients, sustainability, and plant-based intimacy support. A breast cancer survivor, speaker, and advocate for body acceptance and pleasure at every stage of life, Melissa writes and speaks openly about perimenopause, pelvic health, intimacy, and reclaiming confidence in changing bodies. Upstate Mary and her work has been featured in national publications (i.e. Oprah Daily and Business Insider) and numerous wellness platforms. She is committed to breaking taboos around sexual health, aging, and healing through honest, science-backed education and storytelling.
Melissa Eppard | Co-Founder of Upstate Mary | Hudson Valley, NY
ABOUT UPSTATE MARY
At Upstate Mary, we celebrate the power of plants and the beauty of self-care. Our Farm to Bedroom™ collection is designed to support pleasure and connection at every stage of life, whether you’re navigating menopause, postpartum, or simply exploring your sensuality. Formulated with organic botanicals and full-spectrum CBD, our intimacy oils and suppositories nurture your body without disrupting its natural balance.
Rediscover your pleasure with Upstate Mary.