What You Can Do

• Get to a safe place.
• Seek medical care if you are injured or have health concerns.
• Consider a forensic exam. Evidence may be collected up to 120 hours after the assault.
• Preserve evidence if possible. Avoid bathing, changing clothes, eating, drinking, brushing your teeth, or cleaning the area where the assault occurred.
• Already done these things? You can still get help

You Have Rights & Choices

• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Have a victim advocate with you.
• Choose whether to report to law enforcement.
• Receive a forensic exam at no cost.
• Have evidence collected without immediately reporting to law enforcement, when eligible.
• Receive information about your rights and available services.

You Decide What Happens Next

You may feel scared, confused, overwhlemed, or unsure what to do. You may or may not want to report, seek medical care, have a forensic exam, or talk about what happened.

• Be treated with dignity and respect.
• Report or not report to Law Enforcement.
• Have an advocate present with you for all proceedings.
• Have a free forensic exam collected up to 120 hours after the assault.
• Have forensic evidence collected without making report to Law Enforcement.
• Have your evidence kit collected during a law enforcement investigation,
  submitted within 30 days and tested within 120 days.

• Confused, scared, unsure what to do. You may feel as if you have lost control.
• Concerned about what will happen if you contact law enforcement and/or go to the hospital.

• Report to Law Enforcement.
• Seek medical attention or a forensic exam.
• Talk with someone.

Palm Beach County Victim Service's is here to assist you, respecting whatever choices you make!

You have options. The choice is yours.

You decide what is best for you. We are here to help.

Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center 24/7/Helpline

1-866-891-7273