Resources For Survivors You Should Know About

When it was announced that Brock Turner would be released from his six-month sentence three months early, sexual assault survivors around the country reacted with a collective outcry. Time and time again, it seems, survivors do not receive the justice they deserve, as evidenced by judges who give light sentences for assailants because of the "severe impact" prison can have. But many people know the severe impact a sexual assault can have on a survivor, and these resources for sexual assault survivors can help survivors and their loved ones learn how to navigate the confusing world that is life after an assault.

There are many organizations that exist to help survivors. Organizations like RAINN (the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) as well as the National Sexual Violence Resource Center provided consistent support for survivors in every way that could be needed. There are also other, more specific, organizations like End Rape on Campus that work to stop sexual assault specifically on college campuses.

Every survivor of sexual assault deserves to see their assailant put behind bars. However, it's all too clear that doesn't always happen — or when it does, it's clearly still not justice for the devastating crime they've committed. There are many ways to provide support for survivors or receive support if you're a survivor yourself.

Here are a few important resources for sexual assault survivors that provide support in whatever way you need, whether it's an opportunity to reach out, mental health support, financial assistance, or knowing your rights.

The Voices And Faces Project

The Voices and Faces Project wants to "create a national network of survivors willing to stand up and speak out about sexual violence." They believe that to stop rape, people need to start talking about it. Using the hashtag #TheStoriesWeTell, women around the world, the project is trying to create a movement. For four women's stories, watch Bustle's video above.

Services In Your State

Many resources for sexual assault can seem to be national. That's not the case. The Not Alone webpage includes a map where you can input your zip code and see what services are you in your area that you can access.

It's On Us

A movement spearheaded by Vice President Joe Biden, It's On Us includes a pledge that people can take to keep women and men safe from sexual assault. In its own words, the campaign seeks to "fundamentally shift the way we think about sexual assault, by inspiring everyone to see it as their responsibility to do something, big or small, to prevent it."

The Safe Helpline

The Safe Helpline provides sexual assault support for members of the military community. It has an online helpline, a mobile app, or you can call the phone hotline at (877) 995-5247. If you feel that you were retaliated against for reporting a sexual assault, it also provides a form in which you can anonymously report that.

Know Your Rights In School

The White House provides a fact sheet that details your rights regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence when you're in an educational setting. Title IX details exactly what is the responsibility of a school and what rights you have.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

The National Sexual Assault Hotline gives you immediate support. You can use its online chat, find a local support provider, or call (800) 656-5673.

Victim Connect

As Victim Connect points out, "every state has a crime victim or criminal injuries compensation program." If you need help covering medical or counseling costs, or even help covering any wages you may lost due to a crime that was committed against you, contact the Victim Connect Resource Center at (855) 484-2846 or online.

Know Your Rights When Traveling

Traveling and having to go through security can be retraumatizing for sexual assault survivors. The National Sexual Violence Resource Center has a guide for how to navigate traveling while getting the support you need.

It Happened To Alexa Foundation

Founded to support sexual assault survivors through the legal process if you decide to go that route, the It Happened To Alexa Foundation offers "financial, emotional and advocacy assistance to victims and their families during each stage of the criminal justice process."

Images: Bustle (1); Mary Rabun/Bustle (1); Safe Helpline (1); RAINN (1)