You do not need to report the sexual assault to the police to receive these free services.

Call 800-489-7273 for immediate help.

Sexual assault is a serious crime. As a victim of this crime, you have rights, as well as access to people who can help you. An advocate from a rape crisis center is available to accompany you to the hospital or to a doctor, and to assist you with legal, police and social services.

Trained SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nurses are available at every hospital in Vermont. They provide medical care, perform a sexual assault exam, give you information, and gather medical evidence. The exam should be performed within 72 hours (3 days) of the sexual assault. Follow-up care is also available. As of July 1, 2008, free counseling is available for sexual assault survivors.

If you are worried about HIV exposure through sexual assault, you need to be evaluated immediately by a medical professional, such as a SANE nurse. The hospital emergency room is the best place to go.

In some instances, drugs can prevent HIV infection after you have been exposed to the virus. However, for the drugs to be effective, you must take them within 72 hours (3 days) after the sexual assault.

Free counseling, testing, treatment and support services for HIV infection prevention are available for sexual assault survivors.

Payment for these services is made by the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services.