Guidance for Victims of Sexual and Domestic Violence
- Sexual assault can take many different forms, but one thing remains the same: it’s never the victim’s fault.
- Sexual violence is any non-consensual conduct in a sexual nature.
YWCA 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273
A pattern of power and control can include physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and psychological abuse.
YWCA 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273
Missouri is among the top 20 states in the nation with the highest number of human trafficking cases.
Who is Most Vulnerable? (Polaris)
Anyone can experience trafficking in any community, just as anyone can be the victim of any kind of crime. While it can happen to anyone, evidence suggests that people of color and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience trafficking than other demographic groups. Generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination, and other societal factors and inequities create community-wide vulnerabilities. Traffickers recognize and take advantage of people who are vulnerable.
People may be vulnerable to trafficking if they:
- Have an unstable living situation
- Have previously experienced other forms of violence such as sexual abuse or domestic violence
- Have run away or are involved in the juvenile or child welfare system
- Are undocumented immigrants
- Are facing poverty or economic need
- Have a caregiver or family member who has a substance use issue
- Are addicted to drugs or alcohol
YWCA 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273
- Fewer than 1 in 5 victims report their sexual assault, one of the biggest contributing factors is not being believed.
Start By Believing - Advocacy and support services are confidential and free to survivors, as well as friends and family.
- YWCA advocates have been trained extensively to provide trauma informed advocacy and to help individuals navigate unfamiliar systems.
Our Drop-in Center is open Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:30pm. No appointment is necessary.
1155 Olivette Executive Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63132 314-531-1115
YWCA 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273
- It is recommended that you go to a hospital emergency room if the assault has occurred within the last 7 days. You can receive medical treatment even if you choose not to report to the police.
- Hospital emergency departments can perform a physical examination, collect evidence (forensic examination), and provide medications if necessary.
- If you can, avoid eating, drinking, showering, or using the restroom prior to going to the hospital. Wear or bring the clothing you wore during the assault to the hospital with you. The YWCA can provide you with new clothing.
- An advocate from the YWCA can be called to provide support and accompaniment during the hospital visit.
- There is no cost associated for having a forensic exam. If you are charged for the exam, please contact a YWCA advocate. If you receive additional medical charges as a result of the assault, a YWCA advocate can assist with Crime Victims Compensation.
- You do not have to file a police report in order to have a forensic exam completed. You have time to decide.
YWCA 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273
- It is entirely your choice whether or not you decide to report to the police.
- YWCA advocates will provide support regardless of whether you choose to report to police.
- If you choose to report, the YWCA works collaboratively with local and federal law enforcement, and can discuss your reporting options.
- YWCA advocates can provide court and law enforcement accompaniment, help file Orders of Protections, and assist in Safe at Home (an address confidentiality program).
YWCA 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273
- The YWCA provides individual and group therapy to survivors.
- Our licensed therapists are trauma informed and trained in EMDR and domestic and sexual violence modalities.
- The YWCA Drop-in Center allows individuals to meet with an advocate without an appointment and offers individuals the confidential opportunity to assess their situation, experience understanding and encouragement, get assistance with a personalized safe plan, and to access appropriate resources.
Drop-In Center is open 8:30am – 5:30pm, Monday – Friday
1155 Olivette Executive Parkway, St. Louis MO 63132. 314-531-1115
YWCA 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273
- Believe them, and tell them you believe them.
- Support their choices, even if their choices may be different from what you would choose.
- Listen without judgment.
- Share our 24-Hour Help Line: 314-531-7273