Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

We are there to help!

Catholic Charities services are available to all people in need regardless of background. Sexual Assault is a term that is used to describe any forced or unwanted sexual activity including rape, incest, molestation and exhibitionism. It is not a crime of passion but rather a crime of violence.

• “I don’t know if I’ve been sexually assaulted.”
  • That isn’t as unusual as you might think. We are surrounded by images of sexual assault that portray situations as perpetrated by strangers, at knife point….. the reality is that most victims of sexual assault know there attacker and it is much more likely that the attacker has used coercion than force to get the victim to do what they want. We encourage you to call the Catholic Charities Sexual Assault Program and talk to someone . Chances are, if you feel uncomfortable about what happened, you may need some help deciding what your options are.
  • If you have been sexually assaulted you can:
    • The first and most important thing is to make sure you are safe. Take a deep breath and try to focus. Experiencing trauma can leave you feeling confused and unsure.
      • Find a friend or family. Is there a friend or family member you could call to get support and help choosing what you want to do from here?
        • Call our 24 hour crisis line. A trained advocate is available for emotional support, options and referrals. 712-328-0266 or toll free at 1-888-612-0266.
          • Not in SW Iowa? Call: 1-800-284-7821
            • Go to the nearest emergency room.  Taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally is important. You do not have to have the police involved to go to the hospital. A nurse can perform an evidence collection kit and it can be kept until you do decide what to do. In Council Bluffs the hospitals will automatically call Catholic Charities to send an advocate for you. You decide if you want the advocate to stay with you during your time there.
              • Maintain evidence. If you decide to go to the hospital do not eat or drink anything before you go so an evidence collection kit can be performed. If you change clothes, take them with you. Do not shower. All these things will potentially get rid of evidence that may be able to be collected.
              • Report the assault to the police. You do not have to have the police involved to go to the hospital.
              • Receive legal advocacy. If you choose to make a police report, a Catholic Charities advocate will support you through the criminal justice process.
              • Seek counseling. Short-term, goal focused counseling is available to adolescent and adult victims, partners of victims and parents of children who have been sexually assaulted.

It is never OK.

Domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors, including physical, sexual and psychological attacks that one adult intimate partner commits toward another. Domestic violence happens in every part of the community to men and women of every race, ethnicity, class, age, ability or disability, education level and religion.

Domestic Violence:

• is purposeful and instrumental behavior.
• is not an isolated incident.
• is directed at achieving compliance from, or control over, the abused party.
• is a progression of violent behavior which gets worse over time.
• may appear to be directed against or involve the children, property or pets.

If you feel unsafe, call our 24 hour crisis line. A trained advocate is available for emotional support, options and referrals. 712-328-0266 or toll free at 1-888-612-0266.

• Not in SW Iowa? Call: 1-800-284-7821

Do you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following?

• I am afraid of my partner.
• I cannot express my ideas, thoughts or feelings for hear of my partner’s reaction.
• My partner controls what I do, who I see and where I go.
• My partner often uses jealousy to justify this behavior.
• My partner puts down my accomplishments and dreams.
• My partner uses intimidation and threats to get his/her way.
• My partner uses our children and pets to manipulate and punish me.
• My partner shoves, punches, kicks or strangles me.
• My partner threatens to hurt or kill me.
• My partner makes me feel like there is “no way out” of the relationship.

If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, we are here to help. If you feel unsafe, call our 24 hour crisis line. A trained advocate is available for emotional support, options and referrals. 712-328-0266 or toll free at 1-888-612-0266.

• Not in SW Iowa? Call: 1-800-284-7821

There many ways you can get involved and support the Catholic Charities’ Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault program. Community and individual support allows us to provide critical life-changing experiences to all who come to us in need of help. 

Catholic Charities Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program upholds the CVAD Non-Discrimination Statement.  CLICK HERE to read the full statement.