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SCHEDULE A CALLExperiencing sexual abuse is one of the most traumatic events a person can endure. The moments and hours immediately following such an assault are critical—not only for your physical and emotional wellbeing but also for preserving evidence and understanding your legal rights. If you've been sexually abused in Scranton, Pennsylvania, you are not alone, and there are concrete steps you should take right now to protect yourself and begin your path toward healing and justice.
This comprehensive guide walks you through exactly what you should do immediately after experiencing sexual abuse in Scranton. Whether you're still processing what happened or you're helping a loved one navigate this crisis, the information here is designed to empower you with knowledge and connect you with local resources that can help. Survivors of Abuse PA, led by experienced attorney Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq., stands ready to support you with compassionate, expert legal guidance available 24/7.
Your safety is the absolute first priority. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 without hesitation. Do not worry about what will happen next—your safety comes before everything else. If you are in a location where it is unsafe to speak, find a secure place where you can make this call privately.
Once you are in a safe location, seek medical attention immediately, even if you don't think you're seriously injured. Many injuries from sexual assault are not immediately visible, and some internal injuries can be life-threatening. Additionally, a medical professional can provide emergency contraception if needed and test for sexually transmitted infections. The medical examination also creates an official record of your injuries, which can be crucial evidence if you decide to pursue legal action later.
In Scranton, you can go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility. Lackawanna County has several medical facilities where trained professionals can provide confidential care. When you arrive, tell a staff member that you've experienced sexual abuse. Medical professionals are trained to handle these situations with sensitivity and confidentiality. You can also request that a victim advocate be present during your examination for additional support.
You have the right to report what happened to you to law enforcement. Reporting does not obligate you to prosecute—you maintain control over your own case—but it does create an official record and allows police to investigate. In Scranton, you can file a report with the Scranton Police Department or the Pennsylvania State Police.
If you decide to report, do so as soon as possible. This timing is important for several reasons. First, evidence degrades over time. Physical evidence from sexual assault, including DNA evidence, is best collected within 72 hours of the assault, though some evidence can be collected later. Second, memories are freshest immediately after an event, and law enforcement will want to document your account while details are clear.
You do not have to report to police to receive medical care or counseling. Many survivors choose to report to medical professionals first, which creates a confidential medical record, and then decide later whether to involve law enforcement. This is entirely your choice, and there is no wrong decision. Some survivors feel empowered by reporting; others find the investigation process retraumatizing. Both responses are valid, and the choice is yours alone.
If you do report to police, ask about the sexual assault kit (also called a rape kit or forensic examination). This examination collects physical evidence that can be used to identify the perpetrator. The examination is free and is typically conducted by a specially trained nurse examiner at a hospital. You can have a trusted friend or family member, or a victim advocate, present during this examination.
Scranton has several organizations dedicated to supporting sexual assault survivors. These resources are free, confidential, and available to you regardless of whether you decide to report to police.
Lackawanna County Victim Witness Services is located near the Courthouse in downtown Scranton and provides free services to crime victims, including sexual assault survivors. They can explain your rights, help you navigate the criminal justice system, and connect you with additional resources. Their advocates can accompany you to medical appointments, police interviews, and court proceedings.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE . You can call this number anytime, day or night, and speak confidentially with a trained counselor. They can provide immediate emotional support, help you understand your options, and connect you with local resources in Scranton. This service is free and confidential, and you do not have to give your name.
Local counseling and therapy services are also available throughout Scranton, including in the Tripp Park area and other neighborhoods. Many therapists specialize in trauma from sexual assault and can help you process what happened in a safe, confidential environment. Some therapists offer sliding scale fees if cost is a concern.
After you are safe and have received medical care, take time to document what happened while the details are still fresh in your memory. This documentation can be invaluable later if you decide to pursue legal action.
Write down as much as you can remember about the assault: the date, time, and location; what you were wearing; what the perpetrator looked like; any identifying marks or distinctive features; what was said; what happened; and anything else you remember. Don't worry about the writing being perfect or chronological—just capture the details as they come to you.
Also document any injuries you sustained, taking photographs if possible. Photograph bruises, scratches, torn clothing, or any other visible evidence of the assault. If you're uncomfortable doing this yourself, ask a trusted friend or family member to help, or ask a medical professional to document injuries during your medical examination.
Keep any physical evidence, including the clothing you were wearing during the assault. Do not wash these items, as they may contain DNA evidence. Place them in a paper bag (not plastic, which can trap moisture) and store them safely. If you later decide to report to police, you can provide this evidence to them.
Save any text messages, emails, or other communications from the perpetrator or related to the assault. These can serve as corroborating evidence.
Isolation after sexual assault can deepen trauma. Reaching out to someone you trust—a family member, close friend, mentor, or counselor—can provide emotional support and help you feel less alone. You don't have to tell everyone what happened, but sharing with at least one trusted person can be healing.
If you're struggling to find the words, you can simply say: "Something happened to me, and I need support." You don't need to provide all the details immediately. A trusted person can help you access resources, accompany you to appointments, or simply listen without judgment.
Be cautious about who you tell. Unfortunately, not everyone responds to disclosures of sexual assault with compassion. If someone responds negatively or blames you, remember that their response reflects their own limitations, not the truth about what happened. You are not responsible for their reaction, and you deserve support.
Pennsylvania law provides significant protections and legal remedies for survivors of sexual assault. Understanding these rights empowers you to make informed decisions about your case.
In Pennsylvania, sexual assault is defined as non-consensual sexual contact or penetration. This includes rape, molestation, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. The perpetrator can be a stranger, acquaintance, family member, authority figure, or anyone else. Contrary to common misconceptions, most sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows.
You have the right to file a criminal complaint with law enforcement. If you do, the state will prosecute the case on your behalf, and you will not have to pay for prosecution. However, you will be required to testify if the case goes to trial.
You also have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator for damages, including compensation for medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses you've incurred as a result of the assault. In some cases, you may also be able to sue institutions that failed to protect you from sexual abuse, such as schools, workplaces, religious organizations, or other entities.
Pennsylvania has specific statutes of limitations that determine how long you have to file a criminal complaint or civil lawsuit. These timeframes vary depending on the type of assault and other factors. It's crucial to understand these deadlines, as missing them can prevent you from pursuing legal action. An experienced sexual abuse attorney can explain the specific deadlines that apply to your case.
Speaking with an experienced sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your legal options and rights. Many attorneys, including those at Survivors of Abuse PA specializing in sexual abuse cases in Scranton, offer free, confidential consultations where you can discuss your situation without any obligation.
An attorney can explain the criminal and civil legal processes, help you understand statutes of limitations, advise you on evidence preservation, and represent you if you decide to pursue legal action. They can also help you navigate interactions with law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
When choosing an attorney, look for someone with specific experience handling sexual assault cases. Ask about their track record, their approach to working with trauma survivors, and their availability. Survivors of Abuse PA offers 24/7 availability, including weekends, ensuring that survivors can access legal guidance whenever they need it.
Sexual assault is a profound trauma, and it's normal to experience a wide range of emotions in the aftermath: shock, fear, anger, shame, guilt, sadness, or numbness. These reactions are all normal responses to an abnormal and violating event.
Seeking mental health support is not a sign of weakness—it's a crucial part of healing. A trauma-informed therapist or counselor can help you process what happened, develop coping strategies, and begin to rebuild your sense of safety and trust.
In Scranton, you can find therapists through your insurance provider, through local community mental health centers, or through referrals from RAINN or other advocacy organizations. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees if cost is a concern. Some specialize specifically in trauma from sexual assault and can provide evidence-based treatments like cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure therapy.
Support groups for sexual assault survivors can also be valuable. Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can reduce feelings of isolation and provide practical insights and emotional support.
Beyond the immediate medical and legal steps, there are practical matters to consider in the days and weeks following sexual assault.
If you feel unsafe, consider changing your locks, varying your routine, or staying with a trusted friend or family member for a period of time. If the perpetrator knows where you live or work, you may want to take additional safety precautions. A victim advocate can help you develop a safety plan tailored to your specific situation.
If you need to take time off work for medical appointments, therapy, or simply to process what happened, you may be entitled to leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or other employment laws. Your employer is required to maintain your privacy regarding the reason for your leave.
If you incurred medical expenses as a result of the assault, you may be eligible for victim compensation through the Pennsylvania Victim Compensation Assistance Program. This program can help cover medical bills, counseling costs, and other expenses related to the crime. An attorney or victim advocate can help you apply.
The immediate aftermath of sexual assault is overwhelming and disorienting. The steps outlined above—seeking safety, getting medical care, telling someone you trust, accessing mental health support, and understanding your legal options—are concrete actions you can take to begin your healing journey.
Recovery from sexual assault is not linear. Some days will be harder than others. But with proper support, many survivors do heal and reclaim their lives. You deserve that healing, and you deserve justice.
If you're in Scranton and have experienced sexual abuse, remember that dedicated professionals are ready to support you. The legal team at Survivors of Abuse PA has earned a distinguished reputation for vigorous advocacy on behalf of survivors, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected throughout the legal process. You can reach out for a free, confidential consultation 24/7 by phone or through their online form.
Fear is a completely understandable response. However, medical care is crucial for your health and safety. You can bring a trusted friend or family member with you for support. You can also request a victim advocate to accompany you. Medical professionals are trained to work with trauma survivors and will proceed at your pace. You can also call RAINN at 1-800-656-HOPE to talk through your concerns before going to the hospital. Remember, medical professionals are mandated reporters, but their primary concern is your health and safety. Going to the hospital also creates an official medical record of your injuries, which can be important evidence if you later decide to pursue legal action.
No. You can access medical care, counseling, and victim services without reporting to police. Many survivors choose to seek support first and decide later whether to report. This is entirely your decision. You maintain control over your own case. Some survivors find reporting empowering; others find it retraumatizing. Both responses are valid. If you do decide to report later, you can do so at any time, though reporting sooner generally preserves more evidence. An attorney can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific situation.
A sexual assault kit (also called a rape kit or forensic examination) is a medical procedure that collects physical evidence from your body that may be used to identify the perpetrator. This evidence can include DNA, hair, fibers, and other biological material. The examination is free, confidential, and typically performed by a specially trained nurse examiner at a hospital. You can have a trusted person or victim advocate present. The evidence collected is stored and can be used by law enforcement if you decide to report. You can have a kit performed even if you don't immediately report to police—the evidence will be stored in case you decide to report later. Having this evidence preserved can be important for your legal options.
Pennsylvania has specific statutes of limitations for sexual assault cases. For criminal prosecution, the timeframe depends on the type of assault and other factors. For civil lawsuits, different deadlines may apply. These deadlines can be complex and vary significantly based on the circumstances of your case. It's crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to understand the specific deadlines that apply to you. Waiting too long could result in losing your right to pursue legal action. An attorney can also explain options for tolling (extending) certain deadlines in specific circumstances.
Many sexual assaults are committed by someone the survivor knows—a family member, friend, coworker, authority figure, or acquaintance. This doesn't change your legal rights or the seriousness of what happened. You still have the right to report, seek medical care, access counseling, and pursue legal action. You may have additional concerns about the impact on your relationship with that person or their family, but these concerns should not prevent you from seeking the help and justice you deserve. A victim advocate or counselor can help you navigate these complex emotions and decisions.
Yes, in many cases. You can file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator for damages including medical expenses, therapy costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. You may also be able to sue institutions—such as schools, workplaces, religious organizations, or other entities—that knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to take reasonable steps to protect you. These lawsuits are separate from any criminal prosecution and can proceed even if criminal charges are not filed or result in acquittal. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether you have a viable civil claim and help you pursue it.
Sexual assault encompasses a wide range of non-consensual sexual behaviors, including rape, molestation, sexual assault, and harassment. If someone touched you sexually without your consent, or coerced you into sexual activity, or sexually harassed you, these are forms of sexual abuse. You don't need to be certain about legal terminology—that's what attorneys are for. If you're unsure whether what happened qualifies as sexual assault, speak with an attorney or counselor who can help you understand. Many attorneys offer free consultations specifically so you can discuss your situation confidentially and get clarity on your legal options.
You can find a trauma-informed therapist through several avenues: your insurance provider's directory, local community mental health centers, referrals from RAINN (1-800-656-HOPE), referrals from Lackawanna County Victim Witness Services, or online directories of therapists. Look for someone who specializes in trauma from sexual assault and has experience working with survivors. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees if cost is a concern. Some offer teletherapy if in-person sessions are not feasible. Don't hesitate to interview multiple therapists to find someone you feel comfortable working with. The therapeutic relationship is crucial to healing.
Victim compensation is a program that helps crime victims pay for expenses related to the crime, such as medical bills, counseling costs, lost wages, and other damages. Pennsylvania has a Victim Compensation Assistance Program that may cover expenses related to sexual assault. Eligibility requirements apply, and there are deadlines for applying. You don't need to report to police to apply for victim compensation, though reporting can help with your application. An attorney or victim advocate can help you understand your eligibility and complete the application process.
If you're having thoughts of harming yourself, reach out for help immediately. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 (available 24/7) or go to your nearest emergency room. You can also call 911. These services are free and confidential. Many survivors experience suicidal thoughts after sexual assault due to the trauma, but these thoughts can be treated with proper mental health support. You deserve help, and recovery is possible. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Survivors of Abuse PA, led by experienced attorney Ashley B. DiLiberto, Esq., specializes in representing survivors of sexual abuse across Pennsylvania, including in Scranton. They offer free, confidential consultations 24/7 to discuss your case and your legal options. They can explain the criminal and civil legal processes, help you understand your rights, advise you on evidence preservation, and represent you if you decide to pursue legal action. They have a distinguished reputation for vigorous advocacy on behalf of survivors and are committed to ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected. You can contact them by phone or through their online form at any time, day or night, including weekends.
If you've experienced sexual abuse in Scranton, PA, the steps outlined in this guide can help you navigate the immediate aftermath and begin your journey toward healing and justice. Remember that you are not alone, that what happened is not your fault, and that you deserve support and justice.
The immediate hours and days after sexual assault are critical for your health, safety, and legal rights. Prioritize your safety first, seek medical care, reach out to trusted people in your life, and access the resources available to you in Scranton. Whether you decide to report to police, pursue legal action, or simply focus on your healing, you have options and you have rights.
Professional support is available and can make a profound difference in your recovery. Survivors of Abuse PA is committed to supporting survivors and advocating for their rights with compassion and expertise. If you're ready to take the next step, reach out for a free, confidential consultation. You deserve healing, justice, and a future free from the shadow of this trauma.
Ashley DiLiberto, Esq. - The Abuse Lawyer PA
123 S 22nd St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(267) 502-9090
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