Compass Rape Crisis

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do if I have been sexually assaulted?

If you are not in a safe place, find one as quickly as possible. If you are not able to do so, call 911.
You can report to any emergency department to have a medical exam completed and potential evidence collected. Evidence should be collected within 96 hours of the assault.
The medical exam will check for any injuries (seen or unseen) and will also include treatment for possible STDs and pregnancy prevention.
Try not to eat, drink, bathe or use the restroom while you decide whether or not to report.
There is a possibility that your clothes will be collected at the hospital as evidence. You may want to bring a change of clothes with you. Do not wash any clothing or bedding that may have been used in the assault.
Advocates from COMPASS are available to go to the emergency department to offer support during the exam. Ask the hospital staff to contact COMPASS or you may call our hotline at 330-339-1427 or 1-888-356-4644.
If you are still unsure of what you should do, contact our hotline and an advocate will discuss your options with you!

2. If I go to the hospital, do I have to report the assault to law enforcement?

No. According to the Ohio Department of Health protocol, medical personnel must notify law enforcement that a sexual assault has been reported to the hospital. However, you are not required to speak to law enforcement if you do not wish to pursue any legal action.

3. Is reporting the rape the same as prosecuting?

No. Reporting the crime is making a statement to police about what happened. The decision to whether or not a case is prosecuted ultimately lies with the Prosecutor's Office.

4. What happens after I make the police report?

The police will investigate the crime, which may include talking to the suspect, other witnesses and/or collecting evidence. The police will then present the case to the Prosecutor's Office.

5. If I didn't fight back, is it still rape?

Many times rape survivors are not able to fight back because they are afraid or overpowered by their perpetrators. Also, some survivors are incapable of consenting due to age or impairment from drugs and/or alcohol.

6. Do people "ask" to be raped by their behavior, clothing, etc.?

Absolutely not! Rape is a crime. The person committing the crime is always at fault. A person has the right to go where they want to and dress how they want to. They have the right to say "No, I don't want to go any further" with a sexual partner without the fear of being assaulted. Remember, rape is about power and control over another person.

7. I know the person who assaulted me. Is it still rape?

8. Can men be raped?

Yes, men are victims of sexual assault too. As with any other rape, it is never their fault. We know that men are less likely to report a rape than female survivors. COMPASS encourages male survivors who are struggling with feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment and/or fear or who may just need someone to talk with to call our hotline at 330-339-1427 or 1-888-356-4644.

9. I still am not "over" the rape. What is wrong with me?

Healing is an individual process that takes time. You have been through a very traumatic event and you need to allow yourself time to process your feelings. Each survivor has the strength and ability to achieve healing. We encourage you to use services available at COMPASS such as the hotline, support groups and advocacy services to help you feel less alone.

10. I think my child may have been sexually abused. What should I do?

First, assure your child that it is not his/her fault and that you believe what has been told to you. Make sure that your child knows that you will do what you can to end the abuse immediately. Contact Tuscarawas County Job and Family Services at 330-339-7791 or 1-800-431-2347. In Carroll County, call 330-627-2141.

11. How can I get a protection order against my abuser?

COMPASS can help explain the process that you must go through to obtain a protection order against your abuser. If you are the victim of domestic violence, stalking or sexual assault, you may qualify for such an order. Please call our office during normal business hours at 330-339-2504 to begin the process of obtaining a protection order.

12. How do I schedule an appointment at COMPASS?

You may call our office at 330-339-2504 and ask to speak with a victim advocate.

13. How do I schedule a speaker from COMPASS?

Please call our office at 330-339-2504 and ask to speak with the prevention coordinator or the director. We will work with you to develop a presentation that is appropriate for your audience.