Looking for Direction?
URGENT - if you or your loved one have been sexually assaulted or abused in the last 48 hours, please start by clicking here. If you suspect or have witnessed child sexual abuse in San Diego County call the Child Abuse Hotline 858-560-2191.
IF YOU HAVE WITNESSED OR SUSPECT ABUSE OR ASSAULT HAS OCCURED:
I know it is overwhelming when an incident occurs or when you suspect abuse has occured. I've been in your shoes. I want to help. Please call me for a free consultation before taking any steps. Making the wrong moves can be detrimental to the situation.
I highly advise you refrain from posting anything about the incident on any social media platforms at this time. There will be a time when that can be helpful, useful, or therapeutic for you or others but not now.
Note that if you talk to a doctor, therapist, or school staff, about an incident that involves a minor, they are mandated reporters and are required by law to file a report with the authorities. However, do not ever rely on them to do the reporting.
File a police report and be sure to get a copy of it. Ask to speak to the person in charge of sex crimes. If they are not available, ask when they will be and consider coming back then because they should have special training and be trauma-informed so that your matter is handled properly. Take notes. The police report should contain the officers name and badge number but I would write it down on your notes as well.
Disclaimer, this is not medical or legal advice
Please speak up, report, take action!
There are tons of resources I can send you that are not listed below. For a complete list email a request to: savekids@educatetoeliminate.com.
REPORTING OPTIONS CLICK HERE
1-800-4-A-Child (800-422-4453) ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline
SART - Sexual Assault Response Team, look up this term for your city. For San Diego, click here.
911rape.org - Rape treatment center detailed steps on what to do if you or your loved one are raped
RAINN - Rape Abuse and Incest National Network - National Sexual Assault Hotline 800-656-4673 - website is a wealth of information for all states on prevention, what to do once sexual assault occurs, public policy, the laws for each state. For California Sex Crimes: Definitions and Penalties click here.
California Victim Compensation Program - All victims are entitled to therapy funded by the state
National Children's Advocacy Center - Child abuse response and prevention
California Protective Parents Association - Resource for those going through custody issues, aim to reform family court through education and awareness, unite as one voice in the movement to protect children and support victims of abuse
Chelsea's Light Foundation -Source of information and Chelsea's Law AB 1844 - enacted to give longer sentencing to violent sexual criminals
Stop Sexual Assault In Schools - Educating students, families and schools about the right to an equal education free from sexual harassment
S.E.S.A.M.E. -Stop Educator Sexual Abuse Misconduct & Exploitation - Specific to abuse that occurs in schools or by teachers.
Stalking Resource Center - Hotline 800-394-2255 - The National Center for Victim's of Crime
CANRA - California Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act - California Mandated Reporter Training - free for anyone to take, become knowledgeable in the California Mandated Reporting laws.
CA Dept. of Social Services - Care Facility Search - look up or report licensing and complaints for care facilities for children of all ages, elderly, disabled, terminally ill, foster care, adoption agencies, transition youth, home care, resident care, assisted living, treatment programs.
GenerateHope - provides a safe place for survivors of sex trafficking to be restored through long-term housing, healing, psychotherapy and education
National District Attorneys Association - National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse, also links to many more resources
Victim Rights in California
Victims of crime in California have the right to:
- Know the current status of your court case.
- Be assisted if called as a witness.
- Attend all sentencing proceedings.
- Speak in person; address the court in writing; or be represented by an attorney at the time of felony sentencing to express your views concerning the defendant, the crime, and its effects on you and your family.
- Have the court order restitution from the convicted person.
- Request the Board of Prison Terms to provide notice of any hearing to review or consider parole eligibility or parole-setting for prisoners in your case. You must keep the Board of Prison Terms informed of your current address if you wish to be notified.
- Speak personally; submit a letter, tape recording or video tape; or send an attorney to the parole hearing to express your views about the crime and the person responsible.
- For more comprehensive information on the Victims' Bill of Rights - "Marsy's Law" click
For those of you outside of California, search the internet for the victims rights in your state.
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