NATIONWIDE RESOURCES FOR SURVIVORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AT FESTIVALS, FAIRS & PUBLIC EVENTS
These organizations support any survivor, regardless of where the assault occurred — including outdoor festivals, historical reenactment events, carnivals, conventions, and community fairs.
1. RAINN — National Sexual Assault Hotline (24/7)
Website: https://www.rainn.orgHotline: 800‑656‑HOPE (4673) Chat: Online chat available 24/7RAINN is the largest anti‑sexual‑violence organization in the U.S. and provides: Crisis counseling Help finding local rape crisis centers Medical and legal advocacy Support for reporting or not reporting Trauma‑informed guidance for incidents at public events RAINN also provides a state-by-state service locator for local support centers.
2. National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)
Website: https://www.nsvrc.orgNSVRC provides: Survivor‑focused educational materials Trauma‑informed healing resources Support for friends/family of survivors Prevention tools for event organizers National research on sexual violence They do not run a hotline but connect survivors to state coalitions and local providers.
3. National Alliance to End Sexual Violence (NAESV)
Website: https://endsexualviolence.orgNAESV represents 56 state and territorial sexual assault coalitions and over 1,000 rape crisis centers. Their resource directory includes Survivor‑centered housing programs Crisis stabilization resources Advocacy tools State coalition contacts This is especially helpful for survivors who need ongoing support, relocation, or advocacy after an assault at a public event.
STATE & LOCAL RESOURCES
Sexual Assault Coalitions and Rape Crisis Centers (All 50 States)
Every U.S. state and territory has a designated Sexual Assault Coalition. These coalitions connect survivors and communities with local rape crisis centers, advocacy programs, and training resources. Because contact information can change, the most accurate and up‑to‑date details are maintained in national directories.
Use the resources below to find state and local support:
National Sexual Assault Coalition Directory A national directory of sexual assault coalitions for all 50 states and U.S. territories. Each listing includes contact information and a link to the coalition’s website, where you can find local rape crisis centers and services.
U.S. Department of Justice – State and Territory Coalitions The Office on Violence Against Women maintains a list of state and territory domestic violence and sexual assault coalitions, including names and links for each state.
How to Use These Directories
Select your state or territory in the directory.
Open your state’s Sexual Assault Coalition listing.
Look for links labeled “Find Services,” “Member Programs,” “Rape Crisis Centers,” or similar.
Choose the local program closest to you or the person seeking support.
If you are supporting someone else, you can offer to:
Help them look up local resources,
Write down or save hotline numbers,
Or sit with them while they make a call—only if they want that support.
Safety Note
These coalitions and centers are typically able to provide:
24/7 hotlines (phone, text, or chat in some areas)
Crisis counseling and advocacy
Accompaniment to medical, legal, or reporting processes (where available)
Information about rights and options
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact emergency services in your area.
SPECIALIZED SUPPORT CATEGORIES
For Survivors Harmed at Festivals, Faires, Carnivals, or Conventions
1. Local Rape Crisis Centers (via RAINN locator)
They provide immediate crisis support and can help navigate: Assaults occurring in crowded public spaces Incidents involving costumed environments (Renaissance faires, cosplay, reenactments) Assaults by vendors, performers, volunteers, or attendees
2. Victim Advocates in Local Police Departments
Most cities with large festivals have dedicated victim advocates who can: Assist with reporting Provide trauma‑informed support Help with protective orders
3. Statewide Victim Compensation Programs
These programs can help cover: Counseling Medical exams Lost wages Emergency relocation
Medical & Forensic Services
Cottage Health Hospital Emergency Rooms (Santa Barbara & Goleta) Forensic exams (“rape kits”) available within 72–120 hours of assault Exams can be conducted with or without law enforcement involvement. California Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Association (CALSAFE) 💻 calsafe.net Find certified examiners and facilities across California.
Legal & Victim Services
California Department of Justice – Victims’ Services Unit Trauma-informed support, evidence tracking, and legal rights under Marsy’s Law 💻 oag.ca.gov/sexual assault resources Includes a portal to track sexual assault evidence kits and access legal aid.
ValorUS Directory of Rape Crisis Centers 💻 valor.us/get-help Find local centers offering legal, mental health, and housing support.
Culturally Specific & Community-Based Support
Casa de la Familia – Los Angeles & Orange Counties Counseling, advocacy, and crisis intervention for trauma survivors 📞 (877) 611-2272 💻 casadelafamilia.org.SAHARA – South Asian Community Support Multilingual services, shelter, legal aid, and culturally sensitive care 📞 1-888-724-2722 💻 saharacares.org.If the incident occurred at a Renaissance Faire, survivors may also consider contacting event organizers to report the incident and request support. Many large fairs have safety teams or designated response protocols, though these vary widely.
STATE‑BY‑STATE SEXUAL ASSAULT COALITIONS (OFFICIAL)
Alabama — Alabama Coalition Against Rape
Alaska — Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Arizona — Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
Arkansas — Arkansas Coalition Against Sexual Assault
California — ValorUS (formerly CALCASA)
Colorado — Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Connecticut — Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence
https://www.endsexualviolencect.org
Delaware — Delaware Alliance Against Sexual Violence
https://www.delawarealliance.org
Florida — Florida Council Against Sexual Violence
Georgia — Georgia Network to End Sexual Assault
Hawaii — Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence*
(*Hawaii does not have a standalone sexual assault coalition; services are integrated.) https://www.hscadv.org
Idaho — Idaho Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
https://www.engagingvoices.org
Illinois — Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Indiana — Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault & Human Trafficking
Iowa — Iowa Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Kansas — Kansas Coalition Against Sexual & Domestic Violence
Kentucky — Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs
Louisiana — Louisiana Foundation Against Sexual Assault
Maine — Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Maryland — Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Massachusetts — Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA)*
(*MA does not have a standalone coalition; MOVA oversees services.) https://www.mass.gov/mova
Michigan — Michigan Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence
Minnesota — Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Mississippi — Mississippi Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Missouri — Missouri Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Montana — Montana Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Nebraska — Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence
https://www.nebraskacoalition.org
Nevada — Nevada Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence
New Hampshire — New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
New Jersey — New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault
New Mexico — New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
New York — New York State Coalition Against Sexual Assault
North Carolina — North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
North Dakota — North Dakota Council on Abused Women’s Services
https://www.cawsnorthdakota.org
Ohio — Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence
Oklahoma — Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
Oregon — Oregon Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Pennsylvania — Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape
Rhode Island — Day One (RI’s sexual assault coalition)
South Carolina — South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
South Dakota — South Dakota Network Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault
Tennessee — Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence
Texas — Texas Association Against Sexual Assault
Utah — Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Vermont — Vermont Network Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Virginia — Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance
Washington — Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs
West Virginia — West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information & Services
Wisconsin — Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault
Wyoming — Wyoming Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
U.S. TERRITORIES
District of Columbia — DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence*
(*DC does not have a standalone sexual assault coalition.) https://www.dccadv.org
Puerto Rico — Coordinadora Paz para la Mujer
https://www.pazparalamujer.org
Guam — Guam Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence
U.S. Virgin Islands — Virgin Islands Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Council
American Samoa — American Samoa Alliance Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Northern Mariana Islands — Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence