We are here to help all sexual assault survivors—whether the attack took place today or 30 years ago. You can call our sexual assault hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year for immediate assistance. Our sexual assault advocates offer free, confidential support to survivors of sexual assault throughout Northern Nevada and Eastern California communities.
If you have been sexually assaulted, it is important to know that this is not your fault—no matter the circumstances. Survivors of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and incest are not to blame. Only the perpetrator is at fault.
Sexual Assault Hotline
Sexual Assault Text Line
Looking for Resources?
Visit our resource list to explore various resources across Nevada including emergency shelter, financial assistance, legal services, therapy and counseling, and more.
What Should I Do If I Was Sexually Assaulted?
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, consider doing the following:
Go to a safe place.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Help will come to you.
Do you need medical care?
If you have been injured during your assault, go to the Emergency Department. If not, going to the ER is usually not necessary because sexual assault examinations are not done there in Washoe County. There is a 24-hour program that will provide a medical examination and evidence collection. In most cases, pregnancy and HIV testing will be done and medication will be provided to prevent pregnancy and some sexually transmitted infections. This examination is provided at no cost to the survivor. Please call the 24-hour SASS hotline at 1-800-330-0226 or text SASS to 839863 for more info.
Speak with a SASS advocate.
Our Sexual Assault Support Services (SASS) advocates are available to assist survivors 24/7 through our sexual assault hotline. Call 1-800-330-0226 or text SASS to 839863. Our highly trained and experienced team provides immediate crisis intervention services for survivors of sexual assault, as well as to family members, loved ones, and friends throughout Northern Nevada and Eastern California communities.
Report to Law Enforcement
Reporting the sexual assault to law enforcement is the survivor’s choice. We encourage sexual assault survivors to report the crime; however, a survivor’s decision should always be respected and supported, whether or not they choose to file a police report. Our SASS advocates are available to help you through the legal process of reporting a sexual assault. Please call our 24-hour sexual assault hotline at 1-800-330-0226 or text SASS to 839863 for more information.
Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
The Washoe County Health Department or Planned Parenthood perform testing and you do not have to file a police report to receive medical treatment. Nevada law requires the county in which the crime occurred to pay for initial medical costs for survivors of sexual assault.
Emergency Room Phone Numbers
Northern Nevada Medical Emergency Room
1-775-356-4040
St. Mary’s Medical Center Emergency Room
1-775-770-3188
Renown Medical Center Emergency Room
1-775-982-4140
Are you a student?
We offer on-campus support for sexual assault survivors.
SASS Support Groups
Sexual Assault Support Services is currently not offering support groups. If you are interested in attending one or would like help finding a support group, please speak with one of our advocates at 1-800-330-0226.
How can a SASS Advocate help me?
Our advocates provide free, confidential support to any survivor of sexual assault. The services we provide include:
- 24-hour crisis intervention and emotional support
- Personal advocacy – assistance with your boss, landlord, etc.
- Resource referrals and connections
- Ongoing case management and Follow-up support
- Safety planning assistance
- Accompaniment to a forensic exam, hospital, police report, or court hearing
- Forms assistance – Victim Compensation, Confidential Address Program, Protection Orders, VINE Notification, etc.
- Connection to a support group
- Outreach and prevention education
What is Sexual Assault?
Sexual assault is any unwanted, forced or coerced sexual activity. It includes inappropriate sexual contact or fondling, acquaintance rape, date rape, stranger rape, child sexual abuse and incest.
Sexual assault is not about sex. It is a crime of violence where sex is used as a weapon, motivated by the desire to have power and control over the survivor. Sexual assault violates not only a person’s body but also their sense of safety and control over their life.
How Do I Report a Sexual Assault?
Reporting the sexual assault to law enforcement is the survivor’s choice. We encourage sexual assault survivors to report the crime; however, a survivor’s decision should always be respected and supported, whether or not they choose to file a police report. Our SASS advocates are available to help you through the legal process of reporting a sexual assault. We are available any time of day to help sexual assault survivors.
You can also contact your local police department. Call the direct line of your local police station or visit the station in person. If you are on a college campus, you can contact campus-based law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Phone Numbers
Reno Police Department 1-775-334-2121
Sparks Police Department 1-775-353-2231
Washoe County Sheriff 1-775-785-4629
UNR Police Department 1-775-334-2677
Campus Victim Advocate 1-775-771-8724
If you live outside of Northern Nevada, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for national resources:
1-800-656-4673.
If you are assaulted and you are considering filing a police report, please try to follow these guidelines to preserve evidence:
- Do not bathe or douche.
- Do not change your clothes.
- Do not brush your teeth or use mouthwash.
- Do not eat or drink anything.
- Do not apply any medication.
- Do not disturb or clean up the crime scene.
Even if you do these things, you can still get an exam. Please contact us if you have any questions or doubts.
Forensic examinations for collecting physical evidence can be conducted up to seven (7) days after an assault has occurred in Nevada. You can report the crime and have a forensic examination during this time period even if you have cleaned up and/or choose not to report the incident. Please call our 24-hour sexual assault hotline at 1-800-330-0226 or text SASS to 839863 for more information.
What is Sexual Assault Support Services?
Sexual Assault Support Services, known as SASS, began in 1979 as a victim response program in collaboration with Washoe County and City of Reno agencies to provide quality care to sexual assault survivors and help them navigate the legal system as needed.
Our highly trained and experienced advocacy team provides immediate crisis intervention services for survivors of sexual assault, as well as to family members, loved ones, and friends throughout Northern Nevada and Eastern California communities. All services are offered free of charge 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Because rape and violence are so prevalent and can cause such devastating aftermath in the lives that it affects, it is important for our community to know that there are resources that can help victims become survivors. Our purpose for more than 30 years has been to provide unconditional support, resources, and options to those victimized by any form of interpersonal violence.
Sexual assault prevention starts with education.
Find sexual assault education resources.
