Mujeres provides support for survivors of sexual violence, both Spanish and English speaking, at many stages in their recovery. The goal of these services is to ensure that survivors of sexual assault receive all the necessary support and to assure them that they are not alone.
Sexual assault is any type of sexual activity that is not consensual. Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to participate in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Sexual assault can take many forms, including inappropriate touching; vaginal, anal, or oral penetration; rape; and child molestation.
24-hour intervention is available through the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (888) 293-2080. When reporting an incidence of sexual assault, survivors go to the hospital to be examined by
"24-hour intervention is available through the Chicago Rape Crisis Hotline (888) 293-2080."
doctors and to collect evidence against their offender. During his or her stay in the hospital, a medical advocate that Mujeres provides can accompany the survivor. The medical advocate explains the medical process to survivors. The medical advocate also discusses the survivor’s rights and options to ensure that they receive the treatment they deserve.
Mujeres provides survivors with short-term individual counseling and a support group. Counseling sessions help reduce a survivor’s symptoms and offer stability. The support group offers survivors the
opportunity to share experiences with other survivors and to resolve their own feelings.
Mujeres also assists survivors to work with the police and with the judicial system. A court advocate accompanies survivors to the police station, to court for hearings or to obtain an order of protection. The court advocate may attend related appointments and meetings with the survivor.
In addition to the services Mujeres provides directly to sexual assault survivors, Mujeres also educates the community and trains other individuals who can help survivors, such as police, church leaders and medical professionals.
