You Don’t Have to Report to Get Help

One of the most common fears we hear from survivors is:

“If I tell someone, will I have to report to the police?”

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The short answer is no.
You can receive medical care, therapy, advocacy, and forensic support without ever speaking to law enforcement. At Christina’s Courage, we’re here to make sure you know your rights—and that you’re never pressured to do something before you’re ready.

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Reporting Is a Personal Choice

Choosing whether or not to report a sexual assault is deeply personal. Some survivors want justice through the legal system. Others just want to heal privately. Some aren’t sure yet—and that’s okay too.

There is no right or wrong way to survive. And there is no deadline for deciding what’s best for you.

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Here’s What You Can Do Without Reporting:

✅ Receive a Forensic Exam (SANE Exam)

You can have a medical-forensic exam performed without notifying law enforcement. Evidence can often be stored anonymously while you take time to decide whether to report.

✅ Access Free Counseling

Our licensed therapist provides trauma-informed therapy to survivors regardless of reporting status. You don’t need insurance, documentation, or a police report.

✅ Get Legal Advocacy & Safety Planning

Our legal team can help you understand your rights, file a protective order, or create a safety plan—even if you haven’t filed a report or gone to court.

✅ Apply for Victim Compensation

In many cases, you can still qualify for Florida’s Victim Compensation Program as long as the assault was disclosed to a medical provider or crisis center—even if no official police report has been filed.

✅ Talk to an Advocate

Sometimes, all you want is someone to talk to. That’s what we’re here for. Our trained advocates will never push you toward a decision—they’ll just walk beside you.

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What We’ll Never Do at Christina’s Courage:

• We will never contact law enforcement on your behalf without your consent (unless required by mandatory reporting laws involving minors or immediate danger).
• We will never pressure you to share more than you're comfortable with.
• We will never judge you for what you did or didn’t do after the assault.

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Common Concerns, Reassured

“What if I don’t remember everything?”
That’s okay. Trauma affects memory. You don’t need a perfect timeline to get help.

“What if it happened a long time ago?”
You can still receive care. We support survivors of both recent and past assaults.

“What if no one believes me?”
We believe you. And we’re here to support you—whether you want to talk, seek therapy, or just know your options.

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Your Healing. Your Choice.

There are many ways to take back your power after trauma—and reporting is just one of them. You are allowed to heal without going public. You are allowed to ask for help and still keep your privacy.

At Christina’s Courage, we’ll always honor your voice, your pace, and your right to choose what’s next.

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📞 Need Support? We’re Here.

📍 Advocate Line: 305-916-0673
📍 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 1-888-956-7273
📧 Email: aelliott@fcasv.org

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