FAQ

What is a crisis center?
Simply put, we work every day to restore the lives of sexual assault victims, and to promote safer communities in Hunt County through prevention, education, awareness, and community involvement. We offer many resources to help sexual assault victims through both the legal process, and the process of healing.

What services are available?
At the Hunt County Rape Crisis Center, we provide forensic interviews for children, coordinated investigations, therapeutic services, medical services, and advocacy services. You can read more about these services in the article titled "How We Can Help".

Is it a place where I can get help with bills, food stamps, clothes or legal advice for myself or my child?
We do not provide these services, but we can provide you with resources to help with these needs and help with the application process.

How do I know if I have been sexually assaulted?
Sexual assault is any penetration – be it oral, anal, or vaginal – with a sex organ or any object, by one person, against another without consent. Specifically, The Texas Penal Code states: Sec. 22.011. SEXUAL ASSAULT. (a) A person commits an offense if the person: intentionally or knowingly: (A) causes the penetration of the anus or sexual organ of another person by any means, without that person’s consent; (B) causes the penetration of the mouth of another person by the sexual organ of the actor, without that person’s consent; or (C) causes the sexual organ of another person, without that person’s consent, to contact or penetrate the mouth, anus, or sexual organ of another person, including the actor. You can call us at 903-454-9999 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE to find out more about the laws in your state.

How do I know if my child has been sexually abused?
A child who has been sexually abused may:
· Have pain, itching, bleeding, or bruises in or around the genital area.
· Have difficulty walking or sitting, possibly because of genital or anal pain.
· Demonstrate sexual knowledge, curiosity, or behavior beyond his age (obsessive curiosity about sexual matters, for example, or seductive behavior toward peers or adults).
· Be secretive or want to be alone much of the time.
Keep in mind, though, that most children who are sexually abused have no physical findings or complaints whatsoever.

Can I have someone talk to my child or myself to find out if they have been sexually abused/sexually assaulted?
We offer forensic interviews, but these must be requested by an investigative agency. If you suspect your child has been sexually assaulted, call the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or make a report online at txabusehotline.org.

Is the Crisis Center affiliated with CPS/CASA?
No. We work with both CPS and CASA as part of our Multidisciplinary Team. Our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) is a group of professionals working together to investigate allegations of child abuse and sexual assault while ensuring that the best interests of the victims are being served.

Will I get to know what my child said?
The forensic interviewer cannot discuss the interview with anyone outside of the multidisciplinary team, but the law enforcement officer and/or CPS Investigator assigned to your case may share details with you that are important to your child’s safety.

Will I have to talk to law enforcement?
You only have to speak with law enforcement if you report the sexual assault.

What if I don’t want to report the assault to police?
You are not required to file a police report to receive services.

Do you charge for services?
All services provided at the Center are free of charge.

What is a mandated reporter?
Everyone. By law, anyone who SUSPECTS child abuse is obligated to report.

What is CVC? How do I apply?
CVC stands for Crimes Victims' Compensation. The Crime Victims' Compensation program is available to assist victims of violent crime with expenses associated with the crime. In order to receive financial assistance from the fund, victims must complete an application for benefits. Our family advocates can help guide you through the application process. CVC assistance does require victims/survivors to report and cooperate with law enforcement investigations.
What kind of therapy do you offer? Who all can attend?
Sexual assault victims and adult sexual assault survivors are invited to enter free counseling and therapy programs conducted by the Center. Licensed professional counselors (LPCs), their interns, and contracted practitioners provide individual therapy, play therapy, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, and pet-assisted therapy to help victims and their families find healing after the abuse. Practitioners utilize techniques in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other evidence based therapeutic practices to assist in restoring the victim’s lives. Therapeutic services are overseen by the Clinical Director. The Clinical Director supervises LPC-Interns and LMFT-Associates.

I filed a police report but I can't seem to reach my investigator. What do I do?
You can speak to your advocate at the Center and they can make those connections for you or answer any information regarding case updates.

When does the District Attorney's office get involved?
When law enforcement has completed their investigation, they will submit the case to the District Attorney’s office. The District Attorney’s office will have someone follow up with you regarding court or additional information needed.

I went to the hospital and had a SANE exam. What is a SANE exam?
A SANE exam is a medical/forensic exam that includes a physical exam, genital exam, and collection of swabs and samples to preserve evidence of a sexual assault. Trained Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) or physicians perform the exams and can provide immediate medical care by treating injuries and offering information about sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The SANE may ask to take your clothing for evidence, take pictures of any injuries, and gather samples which may contain evidence (oral swabs, collection of any debris such as dirt, leaves, or fibers, fingernail scrapings, vaginal/penile/anal swabs, and other samples). You can decline any portion of the exam you if you choose. An advocate will also be called by the hospital to provide in-person, virtual, or over-the-phone advocacy and emotional support.

If a police report is made, once the SANE exam is completed, the samples are sent to be tested for DNA.

I had a SANE but didn't want to press charges and now I do. What are my options?
Once a SANE exam is completed as a “non-report”, you will have three years to report. After three years, the kits are destroyed.

Can I make a report if I am an adult but the sexual abuse happened when I was a child/teen?
The Statue of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse was changed in 2007. If your assault happened after September 1, 2007 – you can report to law enforcement at any time. If your assault happened prior to September 1, 2007, you can report before your 28th birthday. You can receive services from a Rape Crisis Center at any point, with or without a police report.