If You Are A Victim

10572 S. Emerald Avenue, Yuma, Arizona 85365-7161 ~ Telephone: 928-246-4856

| Prevent Hate Crimes | If You Are A Victim |

What If a Violent Crime Happens to You?

Get medical attention: Consult a physician or hospital emergency room, even if you do not believe you have been seriously injured. Do this as soon as possible.

Document the incident: Keep accurate records of an incident and document physical injuries with photographs. Retain any written harassment you receive. Keep a log of the time and date of harassing phone calls. If harassing messages have been left on your answering machine, keep the tape.

Take care of yourself: Talking about the incident to supportive friends, lovers or family members can be helpful. Accept your feelings and reactions to the trauma. You may find it helpful to discuss the incident with an advocate at the Wingspan AVP. Call the Anti-Violence Project at 1-800-553-9387 to find out about resources.

Reporting Crimes to the Police: There is no requirement you report a crime to the police. Do what is most comfortable for you. Keep in mind police reports are public record and under most circumstances can be released to the media. If you decide to report a crime, a friend or other advocate should accompany you to the local precinct and/or to court to provide assistance and support.

If you wish to seek financial compensation from the Arizona Victim Compensation Fund for medical expenses or counseling, a police report is required.

Important Safety Tips

Find out about any local "danger zones" in the neighborhoods you frequent where lesbians, gay men and transgender folks may have been attacked. Avoid these areas especially if you are alone.

If you feel threatened or unsafe, trust your instincts and remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible. Run. Bang garbage cans. Make noise. Yell "HELP!" Call 911 for police assistance as soon as possible.

Letting someone you do not know into your home or apartment may make you vulnerable to robbery and assault. If you leave a bar with someone you have just met, introduce him or her to a friend or bartender. Let other people know that you are leaving together. Exchange names and telephone numbers.

Try to leave bars, community centers and other GLBTQ identified facilities (including adult bookstores) with people you know or trust. Assailants sometimes wait for potential victims outside of places where lesbians, gay men, and transgender folks meet and gather.

Carry a whistle. Consider taking a self-defense class.