What you’re feeling is valid. Whether the assault happened days ago or decades ago, healing isn’t a straight line. You might feel anger, fear, shame, sadness, or even numbness. Maybe you feel okay for a while, and then something brings it all back. That’s normal, and it’s also normal to not know what to call what happened to you. You don’t need to have all the answers to get support.
Whether the person who hurt you was a stranger, an acquaintance, or someone you trusted, we believe you. We’re here to listen, support, and stand beside you.
Whenever you’re ready, we’re here. You are not alone. If you or someone you love has experienced sexual assault, you can call us anytime, day or night, at 315-468-3260. We’re here to listen, support you, and help you find the resources you need.
If you use TTY, you can reach our support line for the Deaf community during business hours at 315-484-7263. If you’re outside our area, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). Your call will be routed to the nearest rape crisis center.
HOTLINE
Our 24-hour hotline is here for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault, or rape. It doesn’t matter if it happened recently or a long time ago. We’re also here for loved ones who need support.
You can speak with a Vera House advocate or trained volunteer at any time. We’re here to listen without judgment and to help you take the next step forward, whatever that may be.
For many, calling the hotline is the first step toward connecting with a Vera House Victim Advocate.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
Vera House Victim Advocates provide 24-hour support at hospitals and police stations throughout Onondaga County. If you’ve experienced sexual abuse, sexual assault, or rape, a Vera House Advocate can meet you at the hospital or police station.
They’ll help you get through the medical exam and, if you choose to report what happened, they’ll support you through the process with law enforcement too. You don’t have to go through it alone.
MEDICAL ATTENTION
Vera House’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) meet with patients who have been sexually assaulted at all Syracuse-area hospitals. These individuals are trained to complete physical exams, collect forensic evidence, and test for pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Last year, Vera House SANEs responded to 210 hospital call outs, provided 157 forensic exams, and completed 129 forensic kits. Of those, 99 were released to law enforcement.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact the SANE Program.
You can also visit RAINN for helpful information about steps you can take following sexual violence. RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization and a trusted source of support.
Vera House is committed to ensuring our programs and services are welcoming to everyone. If you need assistance to ensure our services meet your needs, please call us at 315-425-0818 or click HERE to send an e-mail.