FAQ

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q.  Is there a fee for services at Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center?
A.  No.  All advocacy, support group, and counseling services are provided at no charge.

Q.  Are Services Confidential?
A.  All services at Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center are confidential.  If you are under the age of 18, you should be aware that DARCC follows the guidelines of mandated reporting laws, which require us to make reports to Child Protective Services (CPS) about suspected cases of child abuse/neglect, disabled adults and elderly abuse/neglect.  Clients of any age should be aware that we are also required to make reports to law enforcement about disclosures of suicidal or homicidal intent.  At DARCC we follow HIPAA requirements to protect the privacy of those we serve.  (Refer to HIPAA section in counseling menu).

Q.  What is an advocate and how are they different from other people involved in my case?
A.  A Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center (DARCC) advocate carries out a special role different from a counselor, law enforcement and medical personnel.  A DARCC advocate’s main purpose is to provide emotional support and information about resources, medical and legal processes.  Advocates play a crucial role in helping victims and their loved ones to deal more effectively with fear and confusion resulting from sexual assault trauma.  The advocates are there to answer any questions that the victim and his/her companions may have about the forensic exam, role of medical and law enforcement, their feeling about the assault and most of all to assure victims and their loved ones that the sexual assault was not the victim’s fault. DARCC’s Advocates value and maintain the victim’s privacy and confidentiality except if they are informed of potential threat to the life of the victim or others and if they have reason to believe that a child, a disabled person or an elderly person is being abused and harmed.  In such cases the advocate is obligated by law to report the information to the appropriate authorities.

Q.  Do I have to file a police report in order to have a rape exam?
A.  No.  The law allows adult sexual assault victims to obtain a medical forensic exam without making a police report. Evidence collected without an accompanying police report will be packaged and sent to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and stored for a minimum of two years.  DPS will pay the hospital for the exam and seek reimbursement through the Office of Attorney General (OAG)’s Crime Victims Compensation Program.

Q.  If I am assaulted, what can I expect from the Dallas Area Rape Crisis Center?
A.  DARCC is committed to serving all survivors of sexual assault. We will assist you in identifying the options available to you, including how to access medical care and whether to contact the police.  The staff of DARCC respects the uniqueness of every individual’s experience and is there to help empower you to make safe and informed decisions about how to proceed and get the help you need.

Q.  What about help for family and friends?
A. In some situations the people in the survivor’s life are also traumatized by either viewing the sexual violence or knowledge that it happened to their loved one.  DARCC services not only help the friends and family learn how to cope more effectively with their painful experience while promoting their recovery, but it also helps them to be a more positive support system to the survivor by educating them about the effects and consequences of survivor’s sexual assault and abuse.  There are no charges for these services.

Q.  How can I help other survivors at DARCC?
A.  There are many different ways you can help survivors of sexual violence at DARCC.  You can contact DARCC’s volunteer coordinator to explore volunteer opportunities or you can donate funds and/or goods such as office supplies and survivor packets (clothing and toiletries given to survivors at the hospital to replace what is removed for evidence).