There is no one way to react to sexual violence. There is no “right” or “correct” response. Sexual violence impacts every individual differently based on the vast array of identities and circumstances unique to them. It is common for sexual violence to interfere with a survivor’s physical and emotional health as well as their ability to participate fully in their lives from social interactions and relationships to work or school. The economic impact can also be far reaching, from possible medical or hospital bills to lost wages.

Sexual assault and rape are crimes.  If a person who has experienced these forms of violence chooses to do so, they may file a police report to pursue a criminal justice case.  The report should be filed in the county in which the assault or rape occurred.  Law enforcement will determine whether the violence reported meets the elements to charge the perpetrator with a crime and determine what evidence has or can be collected to prove the case in a court of law.  In Kentucky, felony offenses have no statute of limitations.  This means that if the offense could be charged as a felony, a victim/survivor may report at any time, even many years after the violence occurred.

Crime Victims Compensation Board (CVCB) provides funding to help offset the expenses survivors of crimes experience as a result of their victimization.  If a sexual assault survivor chooses to get a medical-forensic exam at a Kentucky emergency room, the cost of a sexual assault forensic exam (also called a SAFE or sexual assault exam kit, SAEK) should be covered by CVCB.  This is true whether or not a survivor chooses to report to police at the time.  The survivor can also access prophylactic medications to prevent pregnancy and common sexually transmitted infections free of charge.  They may also qualify to receive prophylaxis to prevent HIV, a portion of which may also be paid for by CVCB.  These expenses are paid by the CVCB sexual assault fund.

Survivors can also choose to apply for reimbursement of expenses they have incurred as a result of their victimization.  For example, they may have had to replace eyeglasses, have x-rays, or lost wages from missed days at work.  If the survivor reported to police, they can apply for reimbursement of any expenses they have paid.  These expenses may be paid through CVCB’s general fund for crime victims.

For additional information, visit http://cvcb.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

We know that sexual violence disproportionately impacts people in marginalized communities.  Because sexual violence is about power and control, we know that perpetrators look for and take advantage of perceived or real vulnerabilities.  Those vulnerabilities can be diverse and include:

• Physical, psychological or intellectual disabilities
• Limited English proficiency
• Undocumented immigration status
• Being a member of a community that is distrustful of or targeted by law enforcement
• Being a person of color
• Being LGBT*
• Differences in age or authority

The most important thing to remember is that being targeted is NEVER the victim’s fault.  We will do our best to meet survivors where they are, see them as whole people whose identities and lived experiences impact how they experience trauma and what choices are available to them afterwards, and to understand that each survivor’s needs are different based on their unique experiences and identities.  We will also work to prevent sexual violence in ways that account for the interlocking systems of oppression that uphold sexual violence in our communities.