Sexual Assault Information and Services

There is no single “right” way to respond after a sexual assault. You may feel unsure about what happened, what you want to do next or whether you want to involve law enforcement.

You can contact the Victim Services Unit for information and support even if you are not ready to make a police report.

Get to a Safe Place

If possible, move to a location where you feel safe and consider contacting someone you trust.

If you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911.

Consider Medical Care

Medical care can address injuries and other health concerns, including pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) may also be available to collect and preserve possible evidence.

You do not have to make a police report to receive a forensic exam.

If You May Want a Forensic Exam

Evidence is generally best collected as soon as possible after an assault.

If possible, before the exam:

• Avoid showering, bathing or cleaning yourself
• Avoid changing clothes
• Avoid using the restroom
• Avoid brushing or combing your hair
• If oral contact occurred, avoid brushing your teeth, eating, drinking or smoking until you have spoken with a medical provider
• If you have already changed clothes, place the clothing you were wearing in a clean paper bag, if available, and bring it with you
• If you have already showered, changed clothes, eaten, used the restroom or done any of these things, you can still seek medical care and ask about a forensic exam

You Can Decide About Reporting

You may choose to report the assault to law enforcement, or you may need time to decide.

A forensic exam may be completed even if you are not ready to make a police report. Evidence collected during the exam may be preserved in case you decide to report later.

The Victim Services Unit or a sexual assault advocate can help explain your options and what to expect without making the decision for you.

The Victim Services Unit Can Help

The Victim Services Unit can assist with:

• Understanding medical and forensic exam options
• Information about making a police report
• Safety planning
• Orders of Protection
• Information about the investigation and court process
• Referrals to sexual assault advocacy, counseling and other community resources

You do not have to make these decisions alone.

Medical care after a sexual assault can be important even when there are no visible injuries.

You can seek medical care whether or not you choose to have a forensic exam or make a police report.

What Is a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam?

A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) is a medical exam provided by a specially trained health care professional.

The purpose of the exam is to address your medical needs and, when appropriate, collect and preserve possible forensic evidence.

What May Happen During a SAFE Exam?

Depending on your individual situation, the exam may include:

• Talking with the medical provider about what happened
• Checking for and treating injuries
• Collecting swabs or other forensic evidence
• Collecting clothing or other items that may contain evidence
• Photographing injuries when appropriate
• Discussing pregnancy concerns
• Discussing testing, treatment or follow-up care for sexually transmitted infections
• Providing information about follow-up medical care and support services

You are in control of the exam. You may ask questions and can decline any portion of the exam.

Do I Have to Make a Police Report?

No.

A person may receive a forensic exam even if they are not ready to report the assault to law enforcement.

Evidence may be collected and preserved so that you have time to decide whether you want to make a report later.

When Should I Have an Exam?

Forensic evidence is generally best collected as soon as possible after an assault, but do not assume it is too late to receive care or ask about an exam.

Even if you have already showered, changed clothes, eaten, used the restroom or waited before seeking care, you can still contact a medical provider and ask about your options.

What About the Cost?

Patients are not expected to pay for the forensic evidence collection portion of a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam.

Other medical treatment or services provided during the visit may be billed separately.

Can an Advocate Be With Me?

A sexual assault advocate may be available to provide support, explain options and help you understand what to expect.

The Victim Services Unit can also help connect you with medical and advocacy resources.

Where Can I Go?

Sexual Assault Forensic Exams are available through area medical facilities. Availability of specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners may vary.

For children and younger adolescents, specialized pediatric care may be recommended.

If you are unsure where to go, contact a sexual assault advocacy program for help identifying an appropriate facility. In the Kansas City area, contact MOCSA at 816-531-0233.

If you are in immediate danger or need emergency medical care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Missouri law provides specific rights to sexual assault survivors. These rights apply regardless of whether a criminal investigation or prosecution ultimately occurs.

Rights may include:

• The right to consult with a rape-crisis advocate
• The right to receive a sexual assault forensic examination
• The right to receive information about evidence-collection options
• The right to receive information about tracking forensic evidence
• The right to request an interpreter when reasonably available
• The right to reasonable protection from the offender
• The right to be free from intimidation, harassment and abuse

Learn more about Missouri's Sexual Assault Survivors' Bill of Rights.

Start by believing them.

When someone tells you they have experienced sexual violence, your response can make a significant difference. You do not need to know exactly what to say or have all the answers.

Helpful ways to respond include:

• Listen without interrupting or questioning their choices
• Believe what they tell you
• Respond without judgment or blame
• Remind them that what happened was not their responsibility
• Ask what would be helpful rather than assuming what they need
• Offer to accompany them for medical care, a forensic exam, law enforcement report or other appointment if they would like support
• Help them locate advocacy, counseling, medical or other resources
• Respect their decisions about reporting and next steps
• Be patient. Healing does not follow a set timeline

Try to avoid questions such as “Why didn’t you leave?” “Why were you there?” or “Why didn’t you report it?” Even when intended to help, these questions can feel blaming.

If you are concerned that the person is in immediate danger, help them access emergency assistance or call 911.

Supporting Children and Teens

Parents and caregivers can help children and teens by creating an environment where they know they can talk about uncomfortable or frightening experiences without automatically being blamed or punished.

Helpful conversations can include:

• Teaching children accurate names for body parts and age-appropriate information about privacy and boundaries
• Reinforcing that they can say no to unwanted touch
• Identifying trusted adults they can talk to
• Reassuring them that they can tell you if something happens, even if they are afraid they broke a rule or may get in trouble
• Talking with teens about consent, healthy relationships, digital boundaries and sexual pressure
• Getting to know the people involved in your child's life and maintaining open communication

If a child or teen tells you that someone has sexually harmed them, take the disclosure seriously, listen calmly and seek appropriate professional assistance.

MOCSA

24/7 Crisis Hotline
816-531-0233 or 913-642-0233

MOCSA provides sexual assault services including:

• Crisis intervention
• Victim advocacy
• Counseling
• Support groups
• Educational resources
• Services available in English and Spanish

Hope Haven of Cass County

24/7 Crisis Hotline
816-380-4663

Administration
816-380-2833

Hope Haven provides services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including:

• Victim advocacy
• Counseling
• Shelter services

RAINN/National Sexual Assault Hotline

24/7 Hotline
800-656-HOPE (4673)

RAINN provides:

• Confidential crisis support
• Information about sexual assault
• Referrals to local resources
• Online chat support through the RAINN website

Not Sure Where to Start?

You do not have to know which resource you need before asking for help. The Victim Services Unit can help you identify available services and connect you with an appropriate local or community resource.

Belton Police Department Victim Services Unit
Phone: 816-348-4430
Email: VA@BeltonPD.org

If you are in immediate danger or need emergency assistance, call 911.