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Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I've been raped?
- What exactly is rape?
- How often does rape happen?
- Who can use RAAP's hotlines?
- How do I enter counseling?
- What can I expect during an intake?
- What is Case Management/Victim Advocacy?
- How do I pay for counseling?
- What if I have Medicaid/Medicare or other health insurance?
- How do I apply or know if I am eligible for Crime Victim Compensation?
- How can I access other services in the community that RAAP does not provide?
- How can I protect myself?
- How can I help a friend who has been raped?
- Why does RAAP send men and women into the community from 4 to 9 pm?
- Is it safe for men and women to go door to door?
- Are the people knocking on my door really legitimate?
- What should I do if I've been raped?
- Get to a safe place.
- Call "911".
- Do not bathe or otherwise disturb evidence.
- Call a friend or family member to be with you.
- Call a rape crisis line for support, information, and referrals:
In metro-Denver call: 303-322-7273
In other parts of the U.S., RAINN (Rape Abuse and Incest National Network) can connect you with services in your area: 1-800-656-HOPE
- Even if you choose not to report a sexual assault, you should seek medical treatment.
- What exactly is rape?
The legal definition of "rape" varies from state to state. Colorado laws use the broader term "sexual assault" to describe many different acts that include sexual contact that is accomplished through "force or threat of force."
- How often does rape happen?
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment did a statewide survey and found that 24% of women and 7% of men in Colorado have experienced sexual violence (1999). These numbers are consistent with national statistics.
- Who can use RAAP's hotlines?
Anyone who is a survivor of sexual assault or sexual abuse, whether it occurred recently or in the past, may use any of RAAP's hotlines. The hotlines are also available for anyone with questions specific to sexual assault and sexual abuse.
This may include support persons for survivors such as family members, friends, loved ones, or partners.
- 24-hour English-speaking hotline 303-322-7273
- 24-hour Spanish-speaking hotline 303-329-0031
- Hearing Impaired hotline 303-329-0023 M-F (9-5)
- How do I enter counseling?
To begin the counseling process, please call one of our three offices and ask to schedule an "intake" appointment with a counselor. During this initial one-hour intake meeting, the client and counselor will assess if individual and/or group counseling is the next appropriate step for the client, as well as if any other resources are needed.
Downtown Denver Office: 303-329-9922 ext. 301
Southeast Office: 720-489-8177
North Office: 303-451-6558
- What can I expect during an intake?
During the one-hour intake meeting with a counselor, you will be asked questions about what brings you to counseling at this time, the symptoms you are experiencing, and questions related to your overall physical and mental health history.
- What is Case Management/Victim Advocacy?
Julie/Mercy…
- How do I pay for counseling?
RAAP does not turn anyone away based on inability to pay for services. Fees for individual and group counseling are based on sliding fee scales. However, RAAP does not require proof of income. The sliding scale for individual counseling ranges from $1-$70 and group counseling is $1-$30. RAAP also accepts Crime Victim Compensation as a method of payment for counseling services.
- What if I have Medicaid/Medicare or other health insurance?
RAAP does not currently accept any health insurance benefits. However, for those clients who want to utilize their insurance based, mental health benefits, RAAP will work to connect them with appropriate referrals.
- How do I apply or know if I am eligible for Crime Victim Compensation?
If a violent crime has been reported to the police department a victim may be eligible for Crime Victim Compensation. CVC is a fund set up to pay for costs endured by a victim of a violent crime. These costs must be specifically related to the crime and may include medical bills, therapy, lost wages, and replacement of locks and doors.
To obtain an application, or to find out more about applying and possible eligibility for crime victim compensation, please contact a RAAP Case Manager (303-329-9922), the police department where the crime was reported, or the office of the District Attorney in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred.
- How can I access other services in the community that RAAP does not provide?
Information about other community agencies and/or referrals may be accessed by calling any of our hotlines:
- 24-hour English-speaking hotline 303-322-7273
- 24-hour Spanish-speaking hotline 303-329-0031
- Hearing Impaired hotline 303-329-0023 M-F (9-5)
- How can I protect myself?
There is no way anyone can guarantee that she/he will not become a victim of sexual assault. Until no one rapes, we are all vulnerable. Individuals may reduce their own chances of becoming a victim by following some basic safety suggestions. But again, this doesn't guarantee safety and it doesn't stop rape, it only means that the assailant may choose someone else.
- Know the facts. About 80% of victims know the perpetrator. Rapes can happen anywhere, anytime.
- Trust your feelings. If a situation feels uncomfortable, trust your intuition and do not be afraid of making a scene or calling attention to yourself. Being a little embarrassed is far better than being assaulted.
- In dating or social situations, be wary of anyone who behaves in an intrusive manner, comes on too strong, or who chooses not to listen to you. Know that alcohol and/or drugs greatly reduce your judgment regarding safety and be extra wary of anyone who seems to be trying to intoxicate you.
- At home, keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even if you are running a quick errand or are expecting guests.
- On the street, walk with confidence--keep your head up and pay close attention to the environment. If possible, walk or jog in well-lit and populated areas or with someone else.
- In your car, lock your car as you get in and out. Have your keys ready as you approach your car to get back in. If you will be returning to your car after dusk, try to park in a well lit location.
- Enroll in a Personal Safety Skills for women (self-defense) class and learn more ways to protect yourself.
- How can I help a friend who has been raped?
DO: Be a good listener and focus your efforts on letting your friend decide what is best for them.
DO: Assure your friend that it was NOT her/his fault.
DO: Assure your friend that she/he did the right thing to survive, whatever that was.
DON'T: Focus your feelings on revenge toward the assailant.
DON'T: Expect your friend to be the same as she/he was before the assault.
DON'T: Tell your friend that she/he "should just get over it." Healing from sexual assault is a long and individual process.
- Why does RAAP send men and women into the community from 4 to 9 pm?
RAAP has been sending men and women out into the community since its inception. Men and women should be involved with ending sexual violence in our community, and sending them door to door insures that each house hold is reached in a personable setting. We go out from 4 to 9 pm because that is when the majority of people are home.
- Is it safe for men and women to go door to door?
We believe that it is safe, as well as our responsibility to take a stance against sexual violence in this manner. We are always in a group and we do have safety in mind first.
- Are the people knocking on my door really legitimate?
RAAP has a canvass staff of 10 to 30 adults in the community from 4 to 9 pm on any given evening (1 to 5 pm on weekends). All of RAAP staff has identification, a permit from the state, and a copy of our 501(c) 3 status.
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