FAQ: Where can you get help?

Remember, as an assault victim, you are not alone. Your community may have victim assistance programs, caring professionals, and support groups-all of which are there to help you by providing assistance, information, services, and referrals. Social services programs and trained professionals also can help you find out about crime victim rights in your state.

If the assault involved an injury or threat of injury, you may be eligible for reimbursement by your state's crime victim compensation program for certain out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical or counseling expenses and lost wages. To be eligible for these funds, you must report the assault to the police and cooperate with the criminal justice system. Victim assistance programs in your community can provide compensation applications and additional information.

It is important to keep a record of expenses you incur as a result of the assault. If the attacker is arrested and convicted, you may request restitution by completing a victim impact statement and listing your losses and expected future expenses (such as necessary medical treatment). Restitution for certain losses may be ordered by a judge as part of the sentence imposed on the attacker. However, in many cases, the defendant may not have sufficient assets or income to pay restitution. It is possible that even if an offender is convicted and ordered to pay restitution, you may receive no, or only partial, restitution for your losses.

Whether you have been assaulted by a stranger or someone you know, the best way to ensure your safety is to report the incident to local law enforcement immediately. Of course, the decision to report an assault is always yours.

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