The Crisis Intervention Center - Serving Park County, Wyoming Since 1982

Frequently Asked Questions by Survivors of Sexual Assault

For more information on some of our questions and answers please visit our helpful links page.

• What is generally included in medical treatment after a sexual assault?
• Who pays for the medical treatment?
• What is an advocate?
• Where can I find an advocate, and what do they provide?
• What is a Victims Assistance Coordinator?
• What is Victim Compensation?
• What if the victim is a child? (Under the age of 19)
• What will law enforcement do after I report the sexual assault?
• What is the purpose of a criminal prosecution?
• What about a civil suit?

What is generally included in medical treatment after a sexual assault?

General physical examination. Tests for pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS), other tests including possible DNA testing. Evidence collection (see Legal section).

Who pays for the medical treatment?

The investigating agency is liable for any authorized medical evidence collection relating to the investigation or prosecution of the sexual assault. Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Commission is liable for any medical costs directly incurred by a sexual assault victim which are not covered by other sources. (Eligibility must be established.) A convicted offender may be ordered to reimburse a victim for any costs that are the direct result of a sexual assault. If you receive a bill for medical services after a sexual assault, please call (collect) (307) 635-4050

What is an advocate?

An advocate is someone who will support you after the sexual assault.

Where can I find an advocate, and what do they provide?

There is a family violence/sexual assault program available 24 hours a day. In Park County, Crisis Intervention Services is the sexual assault program and can be reached at 1-877-864-9688. Crisis Intervention Services provides advocacy, support, prevention/education programs, and emergency safe house and transportation.

What is a Victims Assistance Coordinator?

A Victim Assistance coordinator is available to assist you through the criminal justice system. In Park County, the Victims Assistance coordinator can be reached through the County Attorney's office.

What is Victim Compensation?

The Wyoming Crime Victims Compensation Commission provides reimbursement of eligible expenses incurred by a victim of crime with physical injury. In Park County, information about Crime Victims Compensation can be obtained from Crisis Intervention Services and the Victim Assistance coordinator.

What if the victim is a child? (Under the age of 19)

Family Services and/or law enforcement must investigate the crime. Family services may authorize a medical exam and provide or purchase treatment. Law enforcement may remove a child from an unsafe environment. A "Handbook on Child Sexual Abuse" is available from your advocate.

What will law enforcement do after I report the sexual assault?

Law enforcement will investigate the crime, which may include: interviews, written reports and evidence kit may be used at the medical facility, but only if you consent( information about a sexual assault medical exam is available from a rape crisis advocate and/or a medical facility. Provide you with information about other medical, legal, and advocacy services that are available.

What is the purpose of a criminal prosecution?

A criminal prosecution is a process used to determine legally whether a criminal law was broken; who broke it, and the penalty for breaking it. If the prosecutor decides to proceed with a criminal case, you might be subpoenaed to testify as a witness. (For more information on the criminal justice process, refer to "Rape Recovery" and the Wyoming Victim Bill of Rights, available from a rape crisis advocate, and the "Victim/Witness Handbook", available from law enforcement.) There is no monetary cost to you if the case is prosecuted.

What about a civil suit?

A civil suit is used to sue for monetary damages and may be used instead of, or in addition to, a criminal prosecution. There are usually monetary costs involved with filing a civil suit.