A Survivor’s Guide

If you or someone you love has experienced sexual assault, we want you to know: you are not alone—and you are not without options. Christina’s Courage created this blog post to provide clear, trauma-informed guidance based on two important resources: a full Survivor’s Guide Booklet and a Quick Reference for Monroe County, both available for download below.

These guides are designed to support, empower, and educate survivors—whether the assault happened yesterday or years ago, whether or not you want to involve law enforcement.

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Download the Guides

• Survivor’s Guide Booklet (Full Version)
• Survivors Guide – Monroe County Quick Reference

These PDFs cover everything from medical exams and legal rights to emotional healing, resources, and personal safety.

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What to Do If You’ve Been Assaulted

Immediately after an assault, your brain and body may be in shock. It’s okay not to know what to do next. Here are some first steps:

• Find a safe place.
• Try not to clean up. Avoid bathing, brushing your teeth, changing clothes, or using the bathroom—these actions may remove evidence if you decide to have a forensic exam.
• Call someone you trust. Or reach out to a helpline or 24/7 hotline:
  • 📞 Monroe County Crisis Line: 305-916-0673
  • 📞 Florida Statewide Hotline: 1-888-956-7273
  • 📞 National RAINN Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

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Medical Support: SANE Exams & Treatment

You have the right to a no-cost Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam—whether or not you report to law enforcement. These exams can:

• Treat injuries you may not feel due to shock
• Test for and prevent STIs
• Collect evidence for possible future use

You can choose to store evidence anonymously. The decision to report can come later—you stay in control.

📍 Christina’s Courage provides a private, hospital-alternative setting for SANE exams in Monroe County.

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Know Your Rights

The full Survivor Guide outlines dozens of legal rights and protections guaranteed by Florida law, including:

• The right to privacy, dignity, and humane treatment
• The right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time
• The right to be accompanied by an advocate during medical exams
• The right to apply for victim compensation (even without reporting to police)

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Emotional Aftermath: Healing Is Not Linear

It’s common to feel fear, numbness, anger, guilt, or confusion. Everyone responds to trauma differently. The guides include coping strategies, affirmations, and reminders that:

• It was not your fault.
• You are not alone.
• You deserve healing, at your own pace.

The booklet also offers special sections for male survivors, LGBTQIA+ survivors, BIPOC survivors, teens, seniors, and people with disabilities—each with tailored support.

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Help with Expenses: Victim Compensation

You may be eligible for financial assistance from Florida’s Crime Victim Compensation Program, which can help with:

• Medical bills
• Counseling costs
• Lost wages
• Relocation for safety

To apply, contact the Florida Office of the Attorney General or get help from Christina’s Courage advocates.

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We’re Here to Help

Christina’s Courage is the only rape and crisis center serving the Florida Keys. We provide:

• Free and confidential advocacy
• Counseling and therapy
• Forensic exams (SANE)
• Legal aid and safety planning

If you need support, guidance, or just someone to talk to:
Contact Us →
📞 305-916-0673
📧 contact@christinascourage.com

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Please share this guide. You never know who might need it.
Because everyone deserves care, safety, and the right to heal—on their own terms.