Intervention
Verity’s Intervention Team is comprised of professional sexual assault advocates who will support a survivor of sexual assault through their journey of healing and recovery in the way that is right for them.
Intervention services include:
24/7 Crisis and Support Line
Our crisis and support hotline is available 24/7, 365 days a year. We offer immediate support to anyone affected by sexual assault–survivors, their families, and friends. The line is staffed by certified Crisis Line Counselors who are here to assist you with a range of issues including:
Emotional Support: Talking with survivors about their feelings, regardless of when the assault occurred.
Safety and Medical Needs: Helping survivors determine their safety and medical needs with empathy and expertise.
Information and Guidance: Providing survivors with essential information about law enforcement and medical procedures related to reporting sexual assault.
Options Exploration: Assisting survivors in exploring their options and offering unwavering support for the decisions they make.
Advocacy and Accompaniment: Accompanying survivors and advocating for them in dealings with courts, medical care, or law enforcement.
Information and Referrals: Offering comprehensive information and referrals to ensure survivors have access to the support they need.
Crisis and support line services are available in both English and Spanish: (707) 545-7273.
Advocacy
When a survivor reports a sexual assault to police, the police agency is legally required to notify the local rape crisis center. The police will transport the survivor to and from the hospital and inform them about of their right to have a sexual assault victim advocate accompany him or her for any services at the hospital and at subsequent law enforcement interviews.
– Pen. Code §§ 264.2 and 679.04.
Before a medical examination begins, the survivor must be notified of the right to have present a certified sexual assault counselor and one other support person chosen by the survivor.
– Penal Code § 264.2
As California Certified Rape Crisis Counselors, our Sexual Assault Victim’s Advocates are well versed in both the legal aspect of reporting an assault, as well as the emotional effects making a report can have on a survivor. Advocates are trained to support and empower clients by informing them of their rights as a victim of sexual violence, talking through various options available to the survivor, keeping the survivor informed of the next steps and the criminal justice process, and providing emotional support and resources to survivors and their loved ones during an extremely difficult time. Verity’s goal is to empower survivors with compassion, education, and emotional support. Whatever you decide, we will support you.
Reporting Sexual Assault
Reporting sexual assault to the police is your choice and yours alone. If you are afraid of reporting because you fear you won’t be believed, we are here to advocate for you. If you are afraid of reporting because you have committed crimes, you can still get justice.
Things to know:
Reporting within five days of a sexual assault can allow for evidence to be collected via a forensic examination, if you wish you have one. These examinations are done by a trained forensic nurse, and you may have a support person and a Verity Advocate present with you as well.
Should your case be prosecuted, this may increase the chances of apprehending the suspect and successfully prosecuting.
Reporting can be empowering. It can give survivors a chance to regain some of their personal control.
Regardless of whether you choose to report the incident to law enforcement, it’s important to seek physical and emotional support if you have been assaulted. If you’re unsure about reporting or need more information, please call our 24-hour support and crisis line at (707) 545-7273.
In-Person Accompaniments
At Verity, our commitment to survivors extends beyond immediate support. Our advocates are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to accompany survivors of sexual assault during all stages of the criminal investigative process including forensic examinations, law enforcement interviews, child advocacy forensic interviews, and court accompaniments.
Please reach out to our 24/7 Support and Crisis Line at (707) 545-7273 if you have questions and want to learn more about Verity’s accompaniment services.
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Verity advocates can accompany you when making a police report, ensuring you have support if you decide to take this courageous step. We are here to help you understand the process and provide emotional support.
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Facing court proceedings can be a challenging experience. Our advocates offer guidance, preparation, and support throughout your court appearances. We are dedicated to ensuring survivors feel heard, validated, and empowered in the pursuit of justice.
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Survivors undergoing forensic examinations at Sutter Hospital or Redwood Children’s Center need sensitive and understanding support. Verity advocates are available 24/7 to accompany survivors during all stages of the criminal investigative process, including forensic examinations if you choose.
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Our accompaniments are designed to provide survivors with personalized and confidential support that respects their individual healing journey and choices.
Human Trafficking
Sonoma County is a major hub for human trafficking, and Verity is on the frontlines of addressing this critical issue by providing vital support to those who need it most. Our Intervention Department is dedicated to empowering survivors of human trafficking with the resources and care necessary to heal and reclaim their lives.
We offer trauma-informed services such as crisis intervention, counseling, legal advocacy, and case management. Our outreach efforts are focused on raising awareness and connecting survivors with essential resources, including housing, healthcare, and legal aid.
At Verity, we believe in creating a safe, compassionate space for survivors to heal and rebuild. Through community engagement and proactive support, we stand strong in the fight against human trafficking, committed to creating a safe Sonoma County.
Services for Incarcerated Persons
Verity works closely with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office to best serve survivors within the incarcerated community. Our 24-hour crisis hotline is available toll free at the Main Adult Detention Facility (MADF), and our number is posted next to every inmate-accessible phone. Verity is committed to providing intervention and advocacy services to incarcerated individuals within Sonoma County.