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. Victims 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
Are you a student?
We offer on-campus support for sexual assault survivors.
What Should I Do If I Was Sexually Assaulted?
If you are a victim 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.
Seek medical care immediately.
You may not be aware of the injuries you have received. Medical care is available at any hospital emergency room. If you are considering reporting the assault to law enforcement, call the 24-hour sexual assault hotline at 1-800-330-0226 or text SASS to 839863 for immediate, free support.
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 victims of sexual assault.
Speak with a SASS team 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.
Important Phone Numbers
Northern Nevada Medical Center 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
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 victim. 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 victim’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.
Important 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. 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 victims 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.
