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Founded in 1974 as Community Action Against Rape (CAAR), Signs of HOPE (SOH) began as the combined effort of Florence McClure and Sandra Petta, two women living in Las Vegas who were outraged by the lack of resources and respect for those affected by sexual support and resources they need to move through the process of healing.

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    Sexual Assault
    October 6, 2023

    Reporting Sexual Assault when a SANE exam is not an option

    If an assault occurred more than 5 days ago, and you are unable to have a sexual assault exam (SANE), and have decided to make a report to police at this point, you have several options.

    File a police report

    You can contact the SOH offices and have an advocate accompany you to an area command close to your home to make a report. The report is always going to be made in the location where the sexual assault occurred, even if that is not where you live.


    For example, if you were at a friends home in North Las Vegas when the assault occurred, but you live in Las Vegas, the report would need to be made to the North Las Vegas Police Department. 

    Wait to Report

    You have to 20 years to report sexual assault. The more information you can provide, the better likelihood for an investigation, especially if you are not able to have a SANE exam. If you choose to wait, we recommend:
    – Write down everything you remember from the assault.
    – Saving any items that might hold evidence, including clothing, bedding, etc.
    – Collecting contact information for anyone who may have witnessed what happened, or if you told anyone what happened at the time.

    Not Reporting the Assault

    You also have the right to NOT report the assault. If you change your mind, you have up to 20 years to file a police report, even if you didn’t receive a SANE exam.

    Court Advocacy and Accompaniment

    Signs of Hope provides trained Court Advocates who can join you for any court proceedings or hearings. If you receive a subpoena and are unsure of what you need to do, or want someone to attend court with you, please contact the SOH offices as soon as possible. This service is intended for court involvement/proceedings related to sexual violence incidents.

     

    Court Advocates can help victim-survivors with the following:

    – Understand the reporting and investigation
    – Explain court processes
    – Accompany victims to court dates
    To learn more or make an appointment to speak with a Court Advocate prior to your court date, call 702-385-2153.
    SANE Exams at UMC Hospital
    October 6, 2023
    Family Justice Center
    October 6, 2023

    © 2025 Signs of HOPE, All Rights Reserved. Community Action Against Rape DBA Signs of HOPE is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation registered with both the IRS and the State of Nevada. Your contribution may qualify as a federally recognized tax deduction.

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