Rape Treatment

A medical exam provides testing for and prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases: including HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea etc., and to obtain the required forensic specimens when there is police involvement. Pre/post exposure prophylactic medication is also provided.

The center is available any time you have questions or need, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 305-585-RAPE (7273). This Helpline provides immediate telephone crisis intervention services to victims and their non-offending family members. For hearing or speech impaired, please contact us through Florida Relay at 1-800-955-8771, TTY.

RTC staff is available in person or by phone to provide assistance, answer questions and offer resources related to sexual violence.

Victim Advocates provide sexual assault victims and their non-offending family members with immediate emotional and physical support.

Victim Advocates are available to provide personal support in accessing services or information needed as a result of sexual assault.

Victim Advocates are available to provide in-person support to emergency medical/forensic services, law enforcement interviews, doctor’s appointments, and court appointments to ensure the sexual assault survivor’s interest is represented and their rights are upheld.

RTC staff is actively engaged in informing the public about sexual violence and available programs and services for victims of sexual assault. RTC conducts presentations and awareness events for colleges/universities, military personnel, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, correction facilities, public/private schools, and the general public.

RTC coordinates with medical facilities, advocacy/community agencies, law enforcement (if the victim decides to report), mental health services, college/universities, State Attorney’s Office, Office of the Attorney General and any other relevant group (which includes participating in the local SART) in an effort to ensure victims of sexual assault has access to the full array of both core and enhances services.

*If you are interested in joining a group, contact us at 305-585-5185 to schedule a group intake with one of the facilitators to make sure a support group is right for you. 

Survivor Support Group – An 8 session-long in-person support group for adult women who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. This group is a closed group, meaning it will be the same members at every session to build a sense of safety and trust.

• When: The first and third Monday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m.
• A new group begins about every four months.

Art Expression Group – An open in-person group for individuals (all genders), 16 years and older, who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. Use art to express yourself, to create something, to relax, and to be with other survivors without talking directly about your experience.  We provide all of the materials.

• When: The fourth Monday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m.

Friends and Family of Adult Survivors Support Group – For loved ones of adults who have experienced sexual violence.  This is a one-time support group where you can connect with and get support from others who have had similar experiences and learn more about sexual violence and its impact on you and your loved one.

• When: Typically takes place every other month on the second Monday of the month from 6-7:30. Please call for upcoming dates.

Friends and Family of Minor Survivors Support Group – For loved ones of minors (under 18) who have experienced sexual violence. A one-time support group where you can connect with and get support from others who have had similar experiences and learn more about sexual violence and its impact on you and your loved one.

• When: (Choose one date) Monday, 9/13 or Monday, 12/13, 6-7:30 p.m.

Trauma-Conscious Yoga Group – An open virtual group for individuals who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.  Use yoga to mindfully connect to your body and be with other survivors.

• When: Second Wednesday of the month, 6-7 p.m.

Ongoing Support Group – for those who completed the Survivor Support Group. Takes place every other month on the second Monday of the month, 5:30-7 p.m.

Helpful Links

• Rape and Incest National Network – https://rainn.org/
• Florida Council on Sexual Violence – https://FCASV.org/
• Joyful Heart Foundation – https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/

Whether you have experienced it recently or years ago, sexual violence can have a significant impact on your life.  If you are having difficulty coping with the problems that have come with being sexually assaulted or abused, please know there is free help available.  See below for the therapy services we provide.

Therapy services are provided Monday-Friday by appointment.  Please call us at 305-585-7273 to speak with one of our therapists and learn more about the services that would be right for you.

If you are thinking of suicide, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/, call 911, or go to your nearest emergency room.

*All individual therapy and support group services are free of charge.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is for survivors of sexual violence and their non-offending loved ones.

Crisis Counseling – Therapy is provided on an as needed basis, typically lasting fewer than 4 sessions.  Consists of a surface level, psychoeducation and symptoms-relieving approach.

Ongoing Individual Therapy – Typically, therapy is provided weekly for about 4-6 months in which the sexual trauma(s) is directly addressed and processed in a structured way.  Types and length of therapy may differ based on your needs.

Individual therapy may be done in-person or virtually – you will discuss this with your therapist to find the method that is right for you.

Victim Advocates are certified through the Office of the Attorney General to provide victim compensation, relocation, and human trafficking application assistance to victims of sexual assault.

Jackson Health System earned top marks for their policies and practices related to LGBTQ patients and their families. Jackson is proud to continue its trend as a “Leader in LGBTQ Healthcare Equality.” We respect the unique nature of your rights, keeping an open visitation policy and providing assistance with healthcare surrogacy.

• Keep your doors and windows closed and locked at all times.
• Look through a peephole before opening the door. If you are alone and feel uncomfortable, ask the person to come back later.
• When talking to someone on the phone, do not give out your personal information. Make sure to get the person’s name and the reason for their call.
• If someone is being abusive to you, tell someone who you can trust. You can also report the abuse on the Abuse Hotline by calling (800) 962-2873 (1-800-96-ABUSE).
• If you feel that you are in immediate danger call 911 for help.

• Always plan for a backup way home in case your ride falls through.
• Go out with trusted friends. There is safety in numbers.
• Don’t agree to plans that make you feel uncomfortable or unsure.
• Feeling safe is your number-one priority! Don’t ever compromise your safety to make someone else feel comfortable.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol; the use of these substances can impair your judgment and make it difficult to protect yourself.

• Choose stops where others are waiting. If you have to wait alone, stay alert of your surroundings.
• If you have to take a bus or train at night, use stops that are well-lit and populated.
• When waiting, sit near a group of people. If someone makes you feel uneasy, move.
• On the bus or train, sit near the driver or conductor’s station. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, move.
• Rape and sexual assault are never the victim’s fault. Following some general safety rules can lower your risk of becoming a victim.

• Stay alert of your surroundings.
• Keep your hands free. Use a backpack, waist pouch or any type of carrier that can be slung across your shoulder or strapped around your waist or back.
• At night, stay in well-lit, populated areas and walk/bike/skate with another person.
• Avoid being out alone or in isolated areas.
• Plan your route and know the area.
• Identify places where you can go for help; know where emergency phones are located.
• Take special precautions in stairwells, elevators, bathrooms and dark and/or isolated areas with foliage and shrubbery.
• If you suspect that you are being followed, go to the nearest populated place. If you choose to flee, go as fast as you can and scream to attract attention. Scream “fire,” not “help” or “rape.”
• Always trust your gut instinct: If you sense danger, react immediately and get away.
• Never stop to give someone directions or answer a question. Keep walking/biking/skating. If someone approaches you, refuse them and keep going.
• Never accept a ride from a stranger or someone you have seen around, have known only a short while or someone who is a friend of a friend.