I was just sexually assaulted. What should I do?

​

Get help immediately. Call 911. Police officers will come to where you are and take you to a hospital, so that you can be treated and DNA evidence can be collected. The hospital will photograph any injuries.

If you don’t want to report what happened to you, you should still go to the hospital, both for your own health AND so evidence can be collected, which will make a stronger case if you later decide to make a report. Be sure to tell a family member or friend at once. Seek advice from someone you trust, so that you feel safe and get medical attention. You can also call the Victims Assistance Bureau of the Kankakee County State’s Attorneys’ Office for guidance during normal business hours at 815-936-5800.

I'm not sure I can talk about what happened.

​

The Kankakee County State’s Attorney’s Office has a special sex crimes unit with lawyers trained to handle these cases. They have a lot of experience and are trained to be sensitive to your concerns as a survivor of sexual assault. They will make you comfortable, explain the steps of the process to you, and answer your questions. Most of all, they understand that what happened to you is not your fault.  You also have access to the Victims Assistance Bureau of the Kankakee County State’s Attorneys’ Office for guidance during normal business hours at 815-936-5800.  Other local agencies that can assist in the event of a sexual assault are listed below.  

Our Office's Victims Assistance Bureau can provide or help you obtain a variety of services, including:

• Individual or group counseling;

• Appointments for medical examination or treatment;

• Transportation to court proceedings;

• Advocacy on your behalf with other agencies;

• Assistance with medical bills relating to treatment; and

• Introductions and referrals to other crisis counseling agencies.

​