Frequently Asked Questions

You have come to the right place! If you, a loved one, or a child have been the victim of sexual abuse or sexual assault call us today at 866-900-6019. Our toll-free 24/7 crisis line will connect you to a specially trained advocate who can help. Our services are free of charge and confidential. 

Formerly known as Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center and Children’s Advocacy Center, Mosaic Georgia is the only known free-standing sexual assault and children’s advocacy center to provide comprehensive forensic medical and interview services, advocacy support, legal assistance, and psychosocial support under one roof.

We provide free, confidential support and services to victims and survivors of rape, sexual assault, and child sexual molestation and abuse.

We provide sexual assault forensic medical exams and interviews, legal services, information about the criminal justice system, information about victim’s rights and referrals for other services like counseling. Support to children and their non-offending caregivers are offered with care.

No. Our services are provided at no cost to clients and we are focused on ensuring all persons are treated with respect and dignity in a safe, caring environment.

As a Children’s Advocacy Center and Sexual Assault Center, our direct services include:

• 24/7 crisis line
• medical exams with evidence collection for children, adolescents and adults
• allied professional collaboration
• crisis intervention services
• child/ adolescent forensic-interviews
• personal/ family advocacy; medical advocacy
• legal assistance for victims
• access to licensed psycho-educational therapeutic support groups

Click here to learn more about our Mosaic Georgia services.

The signs can vary widely among individuals and may be physical, behavioral, or emotional. It’s important to note that the presence of these signs does not confirm abuse, but they do warrant further attention and, possibly, action. If you suspect possible sexual abuse in children and adults, approach the situation with sensitivity and care.

If you have any questions about these signs, please contact Mosaic Georgia at 866-900-6019 to speak with a trained advocate.

For Children & Youth:

Behavioral Signs:

• • Sudden changes in behavior or personality
  • Regression to earlier developmental stages, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking
  • Exhibiting knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate for their age
  • Using new words for body parts
  • Secrecy – unusually secretive about parts of their life or displaying a sudden distrust in people, even in their social group
  • Sleep disturbances – insomnia, nightmares, excessive sleeping

Social or Academic Signs:

• • Avoidance or fear of certain places, people, or activities
  • Withdrawing from certain friends, family, youth leader, or regular activities
  • Dramatic changes in academic performance
  • Running away from home

Physical Signs:

• • Pain, itching, or injuries around the genitals
  • Difficulty sitting or walking
  • Frequent urinary or yeast infections
  • Unexplained bleeding, bruises, or blood on sheets or clothing
  • Frequent unexplained physical complaints, such as stomach aches or headaches

Emotional Signs:

• • Anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem
  • Signs of trauma, such as nightmares or flashbacks
  • Self-harming behaviors, Change in eating habits
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions

For Adults:

Behavioral Signs:

• • Changes in sexual behavior or outlook
  • Avoidance of all forms of physical intimacy
  • Flashbacks or distressing memories triggered by specific touches or situations
  • Engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse or unprotected sex

Physical Signs:

• • Injuries to the genital or anal areas
  • Difficulty walking or sitting comfortably
  • Unexplained reproductive issues, including STDs or pregnancies

Emotional Signs:

• • Feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness
  • Mood swings or emotional instability
  • Depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
  • Difficulty forming or maintaining close relationships

If you know a child or have a suspicion that a child has been victimized by child sexual abuse, call your local law enforcement agency at 911 or local child protective services (in Gwinnett County, Georgia – Gwinnett County Department of Family and Children’s Services at 678-518-5500).

When we become parents, we see the world through the eyes of a protector. While we can’t control the rest of the world, we can focus on developing open communication and trust with our children.

Children are exposed to much more visual stimulation and information at earlier ages through access to tablets, smart phones, computers, and video games. Even if your child has limited access to media, others may be exposed to explicit images including pornography.

• Educate yourself about the warning signs for child sexual abuse.
• Speak up if you notice words or actions that signal an adult or older child may exhibit problematic sexual behavior.
• Trust your instincts. Gut feelings are easy to ignore, but if something doesn’t feel right, don’t put your child at risk.
• Be comfortable talking with your child using proper anatomy terms like penis, breast, labia, and vagina. Speaking normally about our bodies makes it easier for children to talk about an inappropriate and uncomfortable situation.
• Teach your child to feel good about themselves just as they are.
• Teach your child that they have the right to say “no.” Make sure they know the difference between “Ok” touch and “Not ok” touch.
• Teach your child that their “No” will be respected.  If a child is uncomfortable with a relative’s kiss or hug, let them shake hands instead.
• Avoid secrets and teach your child that no one should tell them to keep a secret. Secrets about touching are not okay. Let them know that even if someone says that telling a secret will get your child or parent in trouble or hurt, your child should tell you.
• Build trust so that your child knows that they can rely on you to believe them and protect them.
• Develop a plan. Make sure your child knows what to do and who to talk to if they are sexually touched or threatened. Who are trusted adults they can talk to?  Know how to report the abuse – call 911 for local law enforcement.

Supporting a loved one after sexual abuse or assault is about being a stable, compassionate presence in their life. It’s about listening, respecting their journey, and gently encouraging steps towards healing, all while ensuring you’re taking care of your own emotional well-being.

• The best support is to listen, without judgment and without asking for details. Providing a space where they feel safe to share their feelings and story is so important. 
• Be patient and offer emotional support. Trauma affects the brain and we all react differently. Check in regularly to show them you care and are there for support. Don’t try to fix it.
• Encourage them to seek help from professionals (a local sexual assault or children’s advocacy center can assist).  Offer to find resources and accompany them if they’d like. 
• Respect their autonomy. This means supporting their choice on what steps they want to take, whether to report the assault or not. Don’t tell their story to others. Encourage them to make choices that feel right for them.
• Learn about resources available to survivors (like this website) and learn about trauma.  It helps to understand how trauma affects sleep, daily life, and ways to heal. 
• Continue normal activities or conversations with your loved one. Keeping some routine can provide comfort and a sense of normalcy. 

Community, services include:

• Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) coordination;
• Sexual Harm Prevention outreach and education;
• Student awareness and prevention of sexualized violence;
• Georgia SANE/ SAFE education and training programs; law enforcement training;
• Latin and Asian advocacy with outreach.

We work with survivors of all genders regardless of when the violence occurred and whether they choose to report.

Call Mosaic Georgia’s 24-hour toll-free crisis line: 866-900-6019.