Your Rights After Sexual Assault in Florida — What Osceola County Families Should Know

When a loved one has been sexually assaulted, families often find themselves juggling medical decisions, safety concerns, and legal questions all at once. Florida has statewide rights and free support services designed to help victims through those first decisions - whether they want to involve law enforcement right away or not. How services are coordinated can vary by provider, so a statewide referral is often the quickest way to get connected locally in Osceola County.

In Florida, your loved one has the right to choose whether to report the assault to law enforcement. That decision is personal, and it can change over time. One of the most helpful things you can do as a family member or friend? Support their choice and focus on getting them connected to care and advocacy.

They also have the right to get a forensic medical exam (sometimes called an MFE) whether or not they report the crime. Medical care and evidence collection aren't all or nothing. If your loved one wants the exam for health reasons, documentation, or to keep options open, that right exists even if they're not ready to file a police report.

During the exam, they have the right to have an advocate from a certified rape crisis center with them. An advocate can help your loved one understand what's happening, ask questions, and feel less alone in a setting that can be stressful and unfamiliar. If you're supporting them, ask the medical staff how to get an advocate involved right away.

If the offender is incarcerated, victims also have the right to be notified about the offender's release. For many families, this notification is tied to safety planning - knowing when someone may be released helps your loved one make informed choices about where to stay, who to call, and what support they want in place.

A forensic medical exam is available even if your loved one doesn't report to law enforcement. Florida law is clear about cost: medical providers cannot charge the victim for the forensic exam, even if the victim has insurance and even if they don't report the crime (F.S. 960.28). If billing or insurance questions come up, pause and ask the provider to clarify - the exam itself should not be billed to the victim.

If language is a barrier, start with the FCASV statewide hotline at 1-888-956-7273. The referral network can connect callers to Spanish and Creole materials and bilingual services where available, so your loved one can get information in a language that feels clear and safe.

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• ✓ Call the FCASV statewide hotline at 1-888-956-7273 to get referred to local advocacy and support services.
• ✓ If your loved one wants medical care or wants to preserve options, ask about getting a forensic medical exam (MFE) even if they do not want to report to law enforcement.
• ✓ Ask for an advocate from a certified rape crisis center to be present during the exam if your loved one wants that support.

As you help your loved one make decisions, keep three rights front and center: they can choose whether to report to law enforcement, they can get a forensic exam without being charged (even if insured, even if they don't report), and they can request notification about an incarcerated offender's release. If you're unsure what to do first - or trying to find the right local contact in Osceola County - the statewide hotline referral is often the fastest way to get to the right place.