LISTEN. BELIEVE. SUPPORT.

If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

All survivors’ circumstances and needs are different. If you are unsure of your options, we encourage you to call our 24-hour confidential hotline. If you were recently assaulted, one option you have is to go to the hospital to receive medical treatment. You may have injuries that you are unaware of.

In Illinois, survivors of sexual assault are not charged for medical expenses related to their assault. If you receive a medical bill, please contact our hotline to work on getting it resolved.

24/7 hotline

(618) 397 - 0975

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

There are several options to consider:

You could file a Protective Order (sometimes called a restraining order.) A Protective Order is a court order that states one person cannot come in contact with another.

You could move or change your locks. If you’re renting, that’s okay. It may still be possible with the Safe Homes Act.

Call our hotline. We can assist you with filing Protective Orders, utilizing the Safe Homes Act, provide additional resources, or assist in creating a safety plan.

Financial pressures are difficult to deal with, especially in times of crisis. The Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act may be able to protect you from losing your job. We highly recommend working with one of our advocates to ensure you are granted the necessary time off work to address your needs.

Crime Victims Compensation is financial reimbursement to victims of crime. Not everything is reimbursable and not everyone is eligible. Here is a useful document for quick reference. An advocate can assist you in determining if you qualify and completing the application process.

The Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (410 ILCS 70/1) is an Illinois law that governs the healthcare that hospitals are required to provide to sexual assault survivors, establishes a statewide forensic evidence collection system, and creates a reimbursement program for the cost of care and evidence collection for victims who are not covered by private insurance or Medicaid.

Click Here to learn more!

After a sexual assault, survivors can seek care at an emergency room in Illinois. Some hospitals provide full medical forensic exams, while others assist with transferring survivors to a treatment hospital. At a treatment hospital, specially trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and rape crisis advocates are contacted to support the survivor. SANEs are trained in trauma-informed care and focus on the survivor’s health, safety, comfort, and choice. They explain each step of the medical exam and evidence collection process clearly, and survivors can pause, decline, or stop any part of the exam at any time. Advocates provide emotional support, answer questions, explain options, and ensure the survivor is not alone.

If a survivor chooses to complete an evidence collection kit, the SANE will guide them through each step with their consent, which may include collecting clothing or personal items, swabs, photographs of injuries, and a physical exam to address medical needs. Survivors can also access additional care such as STI testing, preventative medication, and emergency contraception. Evidence kits come with multiple reporting options, and care related to the assault is provided at no cost, with a voucher for follow-up medical expenses. Support continues beyond the hospital visit, and survivors can call the 24/7 hotline at 618-397-0975 to speak with an advocate who can provide guidance, information, and ongoing support.