Hiring a Lawyer for Sexual Assault and Other Steps for Sexual Violence Victims To Take

According to the latest FBI statistics, New Mexico and Texas have some of the highest sexual assault rates in the country. About 1,300 sexual assaults take place in New Mexico each year, which gives the state a rate of 61.40 sexual assaults per 100,000 residents, while almost 15,000 sexual assaults occur in Texas annually, which gives it a rate of 51.10 sexual assaults per 100,000 residents. If you were sexually assaulted in either of these states, hiring a lawyer who helps victims of sexual assault  to handle your case is one of the first things to consider doing.

You might not know what else to do in the aftermath of a sexual assault, though. Here are the steps to take if you’re ever a victim of sexual assault.

Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024. It was set up to give sexual assault victims a place to turn for help. Since it was established, it has assisted more than three million sexual assault victims.

You can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline by picking up your smartphone and dialing 800-656-HOPE. A trained staff member will connect you to a professional in your area who can extend the resources you’ll need moving forward.

Seek Medical Attention

One of the many things a professional endorsed by the National Sexual Assault Hotline can do is help you receive medical treatment following a sexual assault. More specifically, they can assist you in accessing a sexual assault forensic exam, sometimes referred to as a “rape kit.”

During this exam, medical professionals can help preserve DNA evidence related to your sexual assault case. They can also deliver the medical care you need to begin recovering from your traumatic experience.

Even if you haven’t reported a sexual assault to the police and aren’t sure whether you’re going to do it yet, you can have a sexual assault forensic exam performed. It’ll enable you to store evidence related to your case so that you can reserve the right to take legal action later.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

The National Sexual Violence Resource Center reports that nearly two-thirds of sexual assaults aren’t ever reported to law enforcement. Unfortunately, many sexual assault victims don’t feel comfortable contacting local police to report the crimes committed against them.

If you aren’t sure whether you want to report a sexual assault to local law enforcement, you don’t necessarily need to rush. You’ll typically have at least a couple of years, if not longer, to report sex crimes in New Mexico and Texas before the statutes of limitations begin to run out.

Speak With a Lawyer for Victims of Sexual Assault

Dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault is extremely difficult. Simply understanding your rights can present challenges that make a bad situation even worse.

If you’re confused about how to proceed, discussing your case with a sexual assault lawyer can clear things up. Search for the right attorney for victims of sexual assault in New Mexico or Texas to work on your case.

A sexual violence lawyer can break down your rights and explain the different types of legal action you can take based on the circumstances surrounding your case. Investing in legal representation for a sexual assault case can make it more manageable overall.

Reach Out to Us To Learn More About the Rights That Sexual Assault Victims Have

Are you a sexual assault victim who could benefit from working closely with a sexual abuse lawyer? Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C. can provide an experienced sexual assault lawyer in New Mexico or Texas. Call us at 800-433-2408 to schedule a consultation.