Rape Crisis Services
The Advocate Program is the New York State Department of Health Designated Rape Crisis Center for Erie County.
We provide assistance to survivors of past and recent incidents of rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse or incest.
Victims and Perpetrators of rape come from every segment of society, regardless of age, race, culture, socio-economic or educational background.
The Problem
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1 in 3 women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
- 1 in 5 men will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime.
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In 85% - 90% of all rapes, the perpetrator is an acquaintance of the victim.
- The average rape lasts 2 to 4 hours.
- 85% of rapes take place in the victim’s home.
- 90% of all rapes are alcohol or drug related.
- Only 10% of rapes are reported to police.
- 1/3 of all rape victims experience Rape Trauma Syndrome.
- Girls ages 16 through 19 are four times more likely than the general population to be victims of sexual assault.
Definitions
Rape - Forced sexual intercourse without consent. Force can be physical: stated or implied threats that cause fear of immediate death or physical injury to self or others: or immediate fear of being kidnapped. It is a violent crime motivated by power and control not sexual gratification.
Sexual Assault - Any sexual act committed against a person without that person’s consent.
Sexual Abuse – Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind, including unwanted touching and coerced activities.
Child Sexual Abuse - Any contact or non-contact sexual act imposed upon a child.
Incest - Unwanted sexual approaches or sexual relations occurring between members of a family, extended family or household.
Sexual Harassment - Any unwanted sexual behavior, either physical or verbal, which embarrasses, humiliates or intimidates an individual.
Critical Time Frames for Sexual Assault Victims
Healthcare providers or Emergency Departments have options available for rape victims, but they are time sensitive.
From the time the rape occurs, victims have the following time frames of help available to them…
- Within 24 hours – Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault Kit – forensic evidence collection if a victim believes they were drugged and sexually assaulted.
- Within 36 Hours – HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) – Medication to reduce one’s risk of contracting HIV.
- Within 72 Hours – Emergency Contraception – Prevents pregnancy resulting from rape.
- Within 96 Hours – Forensic Evidence Collection kit – Helpful for prosecution of criminal case.
Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Program
The Advocate Program oversees the SAFE Program (also known as SANE– Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner)
The goal of this program is to provide training and assistance to local hospitals to help them establish SAFE programs, providing a comprehensive response to victims of rape and sexual assault.
If you are a Nurse and are interested in becoming a SANE, contact 716-834-2310 x142.
Rape Crisis Advisory Committee
Crisis Services Advocate Program founded the Rape Crisis Advisory Committee in May of 2002. This committee consists of various community stakeholders whose mission is to develop a coordinated response to rape and sexual assault in Erie County.
24 Hour Hotline
