What is Rape?
A rape occurs every minute in the United States. It is estimated that only one-third are reported to the police. Over half of rapes occur in the victims' homes; others at work, in public buildings, cars, and outdoors. In 80 percent of the cases, the rapist will not take "no" for an answer. No one "asks" to be raped. This is a crime.

What is Child Sexual Abuse?
This is sexual assault of a child, including rape, statutory rape, indecent exposure, fondling, promoting prostitution and the use of children in pornographic material. Incest is sexual abuse by a close relative.

How Do Victims of Rape, Child Sexual Abuse and Other Violent Crimes React?
Victims of crime, especially violent crime, can exhibit a wide array of feelings and reactions, including:

• Shock, denial, anger, numbness
• Self-blame, low self-esteem
• Nightmares, flashbacks
• Disruptions in eating and sleep patterns
• Reliving the incident over and over
• Fear, difficulty feeling safe
• Turning to drugs or alcohol to escape the emotional pain

What Should Victims Do?

CALL THE 24-HOUR CRIME VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES HOTLINE The number is 814-944-3585 or 1-800-500-2849. A counselor will give you the information you need and, if you like, will accompany you to the police station, hospital or doctor's office.

PRESERVE POSSIBLE EVIDENCE Do not change your clothing, wash anything, bathe, or douche. You may be destroying evidence that will convict a criminal.

INFORM POLICE You can decide to press charges now or later, but informing the police as soon as possible may assist them in solving or preventing another crime.

GET MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY If you were physically injured, get a complete exam and ask the doctor to gather evidence and treat your injuries. Also, if it is sexual assault, have a follow-up exam to look for venereal disease, pregnancy, or additional problems.

What Should Friends Do?

BE SUPPORTIVE Victims need to know that their friends and family members still care about them and believe in them. Your support can help them recover faster.

DO NOT BLAME THE VICTIM No one asks to be a victim of a crime. It is the criminal's fault.

RESPECT HIS OR HER WISHES Let the victim decide who should be told about the crime.

Who Sponsors This Program? Crime Victim Support Services is sponsored by Family Services, a private, nonprofit United Way agency under the governance of a volunteer board of directors. For more than 70 years, Family Services has worked to meet the evolving needs of our community. Family Services receives funding from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency www.pccd.state.us and the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape www.pcar.org to administer these programs.

How Can I Get Help?

Crime victims and their families may call: CRIME VICTIM SUPPORT SERVICES' 24-HOUR HOTLINE 814-944-3585 or 1-800-500-2849 or email victimservices@familyservicesinc.net

Report Suspicion of Child Abuse to BLAIR COUNTY CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES 814-693-3130 or CHILDLINE 1-800-932-0313

For Information About Crime Victims' Compensation: BLAIR COUNTY VICTIM/WITNESS PROGRAM (DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE)
814-693-3018

Family Services also provides emergency shelter for abused women and their dependent children, and for runaway and homeless teens.

What Is Crime Victim Support Services?

Family Services' Crime Victim Support Services offers our community the services of professionals and trained volunteers to assist victims of crime and their families. Services include crisis intervention, supportive counseling, information and referral, emergency room and courtroom accompaniment, and support groups. Clients are not charged fees for services.

Victims need to understand that the crime was not their fault, that they are not alone, and that help is available. Our services are available to anyone affected by a traumatic crime including murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, child sexual abuse, and other violent crimes.