The past few years have seen a reckoning for sexual assault in terms of news coverage and state legislation. Across the country, we have seen laws that increase the penalties for rape, the time limits for filing civil claims regarding sexual assault, and condemnation for public figures who act abusively.

The one thing we have not seen is a decrease in the actual numbers. The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) reports that an American is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds. There are 3,600 seconds in an hour, which means there are about 49 sexual assaults every hour, and 1,176 sexual assaults every day across the country – and those numbers could have risen during the last year, as people were in lockdown because of the pandemic. Per the Center for Primary Care at Harvard Medical School, “Evidence shows that rates of sexual violence increase during states of emergency, including natural disasters, active conflict, and health crises.”

Sexual assault is a serious problem here in the nation’s capital, too. According to the Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Department:

• Approximately 28% of sexual assault/rape victims report the offense to law enforcement
• 70% of adult rape and sexual assault victims – knew the person who attacked them before the assault
• By the time they reach 18, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually assaulted
• 9 in 10 rape victims under age 13 knew the person who raped them
• People with a disability have a higher risk of sexual abuse and assault than the general population
• For older women (55-87) – 79% of rape victims were attacked by strangers
• Women are 14 times more likely to be victims of sexual assault or rape than men
• Some of the reasons rape victims don’t report the rape to the police are:
  • Fear of reprisal
  • Fear of police bias
  • Fear of not being believed
  • Concerns about the post-rape exam

Washington DC sexual assault resources

The DC Metropolitan provides a list of resources for sexual assault victims. Our experienced sexual assault lawyers can also help you obtain counseling, protection, and advice. We also explain your rights. Please note that some of this information may have been updated.

Metropolitan Police Department

• Sexual Assault Unit        (202) 727-3700
• Youth and Preventive Services Division Investigates cases involving minors         (202) 576-6768

Liaison Units for the Metropolitan Police Department

• Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit. This unit will call you back once you page them.     1-877-495-5995 (Pager)
• Latino Liaison Unit        (202) 673-4445
• Asian Liaison Unit          (202) 535-2653

National Resources for Sexual Assault Victims

• RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). National number to reach counselors anywhere in the country. 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
• National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Provides information about sexual violence   1-877-739-3895

Local Resources for Sexual Assault Victims

• Child and Family Services Agency. Report suspected child abuse in DC. (202) 671-SAFE
• DC Rape Crisis Center.   202-333-RAPE (7273)
• Network for Victim Recovery of DC (NVRDC). Provides free, holistic, and comprehensive case management and legal services to victims of all types of crime regardless of income. (202) 742-1727

Financial Help

• Crime Victims Compensation Program.  (202) 879-4216
• Chinatown Service Center – Crime Victims Assistance Partnership. Assists Asian victims who are seeking crime victim compensation. (202) 898-0061
• Ayuda, Inc. Assists Spanish-speaking victims who are seeking crime victim compensation. (202) 387-2870

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resources for Sexual Assault (TTY Number).

• Metropolitan Police Department. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Liaison Unit. (202) 671-2864.
  email: dhhu2002@yahoo.com
• DAWN (Deaf Abuse Women’s Network). 24-hour TTY Hotline, confidential, advocate available. 1-800-290-DAWN (3296)

You’re not alone. If you’ve been sexually assaulted in Washington, DC, there are resources available. There are people you can speak to who are experienced at helping you cope and helping you understand your rights. In addition, our experienced lawyers work with counselors and psychologists who provide help for sexual assault victims. We file legal claims against the wrongdoers including employers and businesses who may have failed in their duty to protect you.

Please contact Paulson & Nace, PLLC through this contact form or by phoning 202-463-1999.