Sexual assault is a growing and prevalent issue throughout the state of California. Here are some resources for sexual assault victims in California.
Common Resources for California Sexual Assault Victims
1. Victim Services Unit
The Victims Services Unit (VSU) provides crime victims informational resources at the varying stages of the criminal process. California’s attorney general is committed to protecting the rights of all sexual assault victims.
The VSU provides support, information, appeal notifications to victims and their families, and outreach in capital and non-capital cases. The VSU may also provide legal assistance when the Attorney General’s Office is pursuing a case. The VSU also helps victims track the status of appeal and refusal cases. These status updates give victims and their families the opportunity to take part in clemency, parole, and execution proceedings.
You can reach the VSU at (877) 433-9069 or VictimServices@doj.ca.gov
Related: How to Report Sexual Assault in California
2. Banteay Srei (Asian Health Services)
Banteay Srei is an organization primarily focused on creating a safe place for young Southeast Asian women that are at risk of or have been exploited to sexual abuse. In order to accomplish their mission, they promote education, leadership development, and cultural pride services to these young women.
Banteay Srei created a network of social support, peer support, healing arts, reproductive health education, life-skills building, and much more. The name originates from Cambodia and means “the women’s temple”. This name was chosen in order to create a space that honors women and provides tools for self-empowerment.
3. Center for Pacific Asian Family
The Center for Pacific Asian Family (CPAF) is a nationally recognized organization based in California known for its unique work in combating domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse in the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. The API created the first multi-lingual 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline in the United States. Furthermore, the API was the first organization to open an emergency shelter specialized in assisting API sexual assault survivors. The API provides a wide range of services to those seeking to become more independent and free of sexual assault or domestic violence. All services are free of charge and offer several API languages. Individuals who are not Pacific Asian can also access these resources.
4. Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking
The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) is a group of non-profits organizations, grassroots advocacy groups, and activists who share the mission of fighting modern-day slavery. Sexual assault is not limited to the workplace or home; it can extend to sex trafficking and slavery. The 1998 El Monte sweatshop case was the catalyst that created CAST. The primary goal of CAST is to assist all trafficked persons and to end all instances of human rights violations. For nearly two decades CAST has provided counseling, legal resources, housing, and education to all sexual trafficking survivors.
5. East Los Angeles Women’s Center
The East Los Angeles Women’s Center is dedicated to those affected by sexual, domestic, and intimate partner violence, as well as to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The ELAWC focuses on providing services to communities highly impacted by sexual violence. By delivering innovative and culturally responsive services to sexual assault survivors, the ELAWC has helped over 8,000 California residents. Their services include bilingual counseling, men’s circles, preventing homelessness, and a 24-hour crisis hotline.
6. Korean American Family Services
The Korean American Family Services (KFAM) focuses on aiding underprivileged Asian Pacific Islander and Korean American families through culturally responsive services. Their services include but are not limited to Asian foster family initiatives, child and adult wellness, clinical counseling, and domestic violence advocacy. The staff at KFAM has helped over 10,000 adults each year, since its inception in 1983. The KFAM provides an essential safety net to resource-poor families who do not have access to resources when dealing with sexual assault.
7. Love n Me
Love n Me is an organization that provides assistance through support groups, counseling, mentoring, therapy, and a 24-hour crisis hotline to women and girls who have experienced sexual abuse or violence.
8. My Sister’s House
My Sister’s House aids impoverished women and children impacted by domestic abuse, sexual assault, and human trafficking by providing safe havens, job training, and community services.
Services range from:
- 24-hour support line (916) 428-3271
- Safe Haven Shelter Program
- Women to Work Program
- Counseling Sessions
- Domestic Violence Education
- Healing through art
- Parenting Classes
- #MeToo support group
9. Her Lawyer
Her Lawyer is an independent network of experienced attorneys who protect the rights of women in California. We’ll connect you with the most qualified attorney for your needs and preferences. Her Lawyer proudly defends victims of sexual assault. If you need legal help, contact us.
FAQS
What should I do if my abuser is stalking me?
The best option in the case of an abuser stalking a victim is for the victim to file a restraining order against their abuser.
Related: Restraining Orders in California
What evidence should I gather in order to prove to sexual assault organizations that I am a victim?
Unless a victim is dealing with law enforcement or legal agencies, the organizations listed above will provide assistance with a “no questions asked” policy.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one is seeking resources for sexual assault victims, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with the most qualified attorney to protect your rights. Get your free consultation with one of our experienced sexual assault attorneys for women in California today!