Can I call the helpline for anything, or does it need to be a crisis?
You can call the helpline for anything. It does not need to be a crisis. Many people reach out simply because they’re looking for information — to understand what services The Rowan Center provides, to learn what support options exist, or to figure out whether a concern fits with available resources. Others call because they […]
What should I do if something happens to my daughter at college? Should she report? What is the best way to report? Should I contact campus police or local police? What happens to the perpetrator?
Reporting is always a choice. Your daughter can start by speaking with a confidential advocate to understand her options without committing to anything. Colleges, campus police, and local police serve different roles. Campus reporting may address school-based protections, while local police handle criminal investigations. She does not have to decide right away. The most important […]
What should I do if I find porn on my child’s phone?
Pause before reacting. Many children encounter sexual content unintentionally through algorithms, pop-ups, or peer sharing. Start with curiosity, not punishment. Ask what they saw, how it made them feel, and whether they had questions. Use the moment to talk about realism, consent, and boundaries, and then address safety settings and supervision calmly.
Can the police do anything if someone in another country is sextorting my child?
Yes. While international cases are more complex, reporting still matters. Police reports help trigger platform intervention and coordinated responses. Support services and image-removal tools are available regardless of where the perpetrator is located.
What kind of help should I get for my daughter who was sexually assaulted? What type of therapist or therapy is recommended?
Trauma-informed care is key. Many survivors benefit from evidence-based trauma therapies such as EMDR or other trauma-focused approaches. What matters most is that your daughter feels safe, believed, and respected by the provider. Therapy should move at her pace and never force details.
What is the court process in Connecticut?
If charges are pursued, the process can include investigation, charging decisions, court hearings, and possibly trial. This can take months or years. Survivors are not required to navigate this alone. Advocates can explain each step and provide support throughout.
Is there still a backlog of sexual assault kits being tested in Connecticut?
No, Connecticut has not had a significant backlog of sexual assault kits since around 2018-2019, having implemented comprehensive reforms and secured funding to clear past issues and process new kits swiftly, even implementing tracking systems for victims.
How long do you have to report an assault? How long do you have to decide to prosecute after a kit is done? Are kits destroyed? How are people notified if there is a DNA match?
In Connecticut, you can report an assault anytime, but evidence collection for forensic analysis is best within 120 hours (5 days) of the assault, with a goal for police to submit kits within 10 days and labs to test within 60 days for anonymous (unreported) kits, with extended holding for these kits. Kits are held, […]
Do I have to answer police questions after an assault?
No. You control what you share and when. You can ask questions or seek information without committing to a full statement.
Should I have a lawyer?
Legal advice can be helpful in some situations, but it is not required to access support. Advocates can help explain when legal guidance might be useful.