You Are Not Alone: Support, Care, and Pathways to Justice
If you are a survivor of sexual abuse, please know this: What happened to you was not your fault. You deserve support, safety, and clarity about your options — on your own terms and in your own time.
This guide brings together trusted California-based and national resources for survivors. Whether the abuse occurred recently or years ago, as a child or as an adult, you have the right to seek care, connection, and justice. You do not have to navigate this alone.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
On this page
Immediate Crisis Support
These confidential hotlines are available 24/7 and staffed by trained professionals who understand trauma and survivor needs.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (RAINN)
- Call: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Text: Text HOPE to 64673
- Free, confidential support with connection to your local California crisis center.
- Call or text 988
- Support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts. Available 24/7
- Text HOME to 741741
- Real-time support via text with trained crisis counselors.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
- 1-800-422-4453
- For children, teens, parents, and concerned adults.
California-Specific Sexual Assault Resources
- The statewide coalition for survivor advocacy, training, and services. Their directory helps you locate trusted rape crisis centers across California.
How to Find Your Local Rape Crisis Center
Every California county has a rape crisis center offering free, confidential services, including:
- 24/7 crisis hotlines
- In-person counseling
- Hospital and law-enforcement accompaniment
- Support groups
- Help navigating medical, legal, and social service systems
How to find your center:
- Visit https://www.valor.us/get-help/get-help-california/
- Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
- Search “[Your County] rape crisis center” online
Therapy and Trauma-Informed Mental Health Support
Healing is deeply personal. Many survivors choose to work with therapists who understand trauma, dissociation, PTSD, and the long-term effects of abuse.
Finding a Therapist
Psychology Today Directory
- Psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/ca
- Search by specialty (trauma, sexual abuse, PTSD), insurance, and location.
Open Path Collective
- Openpathcollective.org
- Therapy options for uninsured or under-insured survivors. Pay a lifetime membership fee, then between $40-$70 per session ($30 student intern sessions are also available).
Low-Cost or Free Mental Health Support
California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB): May cover counseling for crime victims
County mental health departments: Sliding-scale or free services
University training clinics: Reduced-rate therapy
Rape crisis centers: Often provide short-term therapeutic support at no cost
Medical Care After Sexual Assault
If you have been assaulted recently, medical care can protect your health and preserve evidence — even if you are not ready to speak to either law enforcement or an attorney.
What You Should Know
- Exams are most effective within 72–96 hours, but care is beneficial at any time.
- Emergency contraception is available.
- STI testing and preventative medication can be provided.
- Evidence can be collected without filing a police report.
- You can request a trained advocate to accompany you.
- In California, sexual assault exams must be provided free of charge.
Where to Go
- Designated SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) hospitals
- Any hospital ER in California
Understanding Your Legal Rights and Options
You have the right to explore legal options at your pace. Speaking with an attorney does not mean you must pursue a case. At Survivor Advocates, consultations are confidential, trauma-informed, and pressure-free.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases: Key Differences and What to Know
Criminal Cases
- Filed by the California District Attorney
- Seeks punishment (jail, fines)
- You are a witness, not a party
- Does not provide financial compensation to the survivor
Civil Cases
- Filed by the survivor, typically with an attorney
- Seeks compensation and accountability
- Can proceed whether or not charges were filed
- Can hold both individuals and institutions accountable
When to Consider Consulting a Sexual Abuse Attorney
You may want to speak with an attorney when:
- You want to understand your legal rights
- You are considering civil action
- An individual or institution failed to protect you
- You believe your abuser may have targeted others
- You need clarification about the deadlines for a civil action
Survivor Advocates provides confidential, respectful, trauma-informed consultations led by senior attorneys — not junior associates. Survivors remain in control of every step.
Resources for Specific Communities
Men and Boys
- 1in6: 1in6.org — 24/7 online support
- MaleSurvivor: malesurvivor.org — support groups and forums
LGBTQ+ Survivors
- The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
People with Disabilities
- National Resource Center on Domestic Violence: nrcdv.org
Immigrants and Non-English Speakers
California crisis centers serve survivors regardless of immigration status.
Interpretation is available across most hotlines.
- Immigrant Legal Resource Center: ilrc.org
- Information about U Visas for crime victims
Older Adults
California Adult Protective Services (APS): Contact your county APS office
Safety Planning
If you are in an unsafe situation:
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger or injured
- Contact your local rape crisis center for personalized safety planning
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Document concerning incidents when safe to do so
- Identify trusted people and safe locations
- Ask about restraining or protective orders
You Are Not Alone
Healing from sexual abuse is not linear, and it is not something anyone should have to face alone. Thousands of survivors in California have rebuilt their lives with the help of advocates, counselors, medical providers, and attorneys who respect their voices and honor their boundaries.
Whatever you choose — therapy, a support group, legal action, or time — your path is valid.
Your story matters. Your safety matters. Your healing matters.
And when you are ready to understand your legal options, Survivor Advocates is here to listen — quietly, respectfully, and on your terms.
