Frequently Asked Questions
Mosaic Georgia is a valuable resource for survivors of sexual assault and the local community.
We are here for you. CALL OUR TOLL-FREE 24/7 CRISIS LINE: 866-900-6019
The Crisis line offers confidential crisis intervention, support, information and referrals 24 hours per day, 365 days each year. This line is also accessible to assist law enforcement and other professionals in need of services and information.
We serve as a resource for both survivors of sexualized violence and the community at-large. In this section, you will find important FAQs about our services and programs, general information on sexual assault, and more.
Where do I start?
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.
What does Mosaic Georgia do?
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.
Is there a fee or cost for services?
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.
What services are offered to victims of child sexual abuse or sexual assault?
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.
What are signs of possible sexual abuse?
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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- 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:
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- Injuries to the genital or anal areas
- Difficulty walking or sitting comfortably
- Unexplained reproductive issues, including STDs or pregnancies
Emotional Signs:
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- 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).
How can I protect my child?
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.
How can I support a loved one?
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.
What services are offered to the community?
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.
Who do we serve?
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.
FORENSIC EXAM AND INTERVIEW FAQs
Why go to Mosaic Georgia instead of a hospital?
Choosing Mosaic Georgia for a medical forensic exam instead of a hospital setting can offer several benefits, especially in the context of sexual assault or abuse. Here are key reasons why someone might prefer Mosaic Georgia for their care:
Specialized Care and Expertise
- Focused Expertise: Mosaic Georgia’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are specifically trained to conduct medical forensic exams with a deep understanding of the needs of sexual assault survivors.
- Trauma-Informed Approach: The staff at Mosaic Georgia are experts in trauma-informed care, ensuring that every interaction is conducted with sensitivity to minimize further emotional distress.
Comfortable and Private Environment
- Dedicated Space: Unlike a hospital, which is designed for a wide range of medical emergencies, Mosaic Georgia provides a private and calm environment specifically designed for survivors of sexual assault and abuse. This setting can help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with the examination process.
- Confidentiality: Mosaic Georgia offers a confidential setting where survivors can feel safe and secure, knowing that their privacy is a top priority.
Comprehensive Support
- Integrated Services: Beyond the medical forensic exam, Mosaic Georgia offers a range of integrated services including legal assistance, counseling, and advocacy, all in one location. This holistic approach supports the survivor’s overall healing journey.
- Immediate and Ongoing Support: From the moment of first contact, survivors have access to advocates who can provide emotional support, information about their rights, and guidance on the next steps.
Accessibility and Cost
- No Cost Services: Medical forensic exams at Mosaic Georgia are provided free of charge, removing financial barriers that might prevent someone from seeking the necessary care.
- Accessibility: For those living in or near Gwinnett County, Georgia, Mosaic Georgia may be more accessible than hospital-based services, offering timely exams without the long wait times that can occur in emergency rooms.
Special Considerations for Children
- Child-Friendly: As a Children’s Advocacy Center, Mosaic Georgia is particularly equipped to support young survivors with specially trained staff and a child-friendly environment that helps ease the fear and discomfort associated with the examination process.
Choosing Mosaic Georgia for a medical forensic exam means choosing a setting that prioritizes the comfort, dignity, and holistic well-being of survivors of sexual assault and abuse.
For those who require urgent medical attention from physicians in a hospital, Mosaic Georgia’s SANE and advocates may conduct the medical forensic exam at Northside Hospital.
What’s a “rape kit”?
Also known as a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, this term refers to evidence that is collected by a Sexual Assault Nurse/Forensic Examiner (SANE or SAFE) to assist with investigation of a sex crime. This is just one part of a medical forensic exam.
Why would someone need a medical forensic exam?
The forensic medical exam includes a health assessment PLUS documentation of injuries and collection of evidence for a criminal investigation. The evidence must be collected and packaged in compliance with protocols established with law enforcement. The Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner who performs the exam and collects evidence must be available to the prosecutor as the case is prosecuted.
What is a forensic interview?
A forensic interview is a semi-structured conversation with a child intended to elicit detailed information about a possible event(s) that a child may have experienced or witnessed. Interviews are conducted by trained Forensic Interviewers who have completed at least 40 hours of specialized training and participate in monthly peer review meetings to continually develop their skills.
The interview is used to:
- Obtain information from a child that may be helpful in a criminal investigation
- Assess the safety of a child
- Obtain information for DFCS and/or Law Enforcement that will either corroborate or refute allegations or suspicions of abuse and neglect
- Assess the need for medical treatment and psychological care
Who can request a forensic interview?
Forensic Interviews are only conducted at the request of law enforcement, DFCS, and/or the District Attorney’s office.
What do I tell my child?
Let your child know that they are coming to Mosaic Georgia to talk to a person that talks to a lot of children about different things. Reassure them that they are not in any trouble and that you are giving them permission to speak to someone freely. Please do not practice for the interview by asking them questions or coaching them on how to answer.
What happens after the forensic interview?
After an interview is conducted, DFCS and/or law enforcement will inform you of the next steps in the investigation process.
LEGAL SERVICES FAQs
What legal services are available?
Attorneys assist victims and their families with civil legal issues resulting from the sexual assault or violence. Issues may include safety, housing, employment, financial, health, or education.
When someone harms you or your loved one with sexual abusing or assault, life as you know it changes. We know that in most cases (80%), the perpetrator is someone you know and trusted. That makes everything more complicated.
Legal assistance on civil issues related to sexual abuse or assault may be available if you are:
- Worried about your physical safety
- Concerned about your children’s safety
- Unsure whether to make a police report
- Anxious about your privacy
- Worried about where you will live
- Nervous about your job or school
- Concerned how your immigration status affects your report
- Confused about the difference between the criminal and civil justice systems
We assist with safety concerns (Temporary Protective Orders and hearings), child custody and visitation issues, service options available for reporting and non-reporting victims of sex crimes, your housing rights, your employment rights, student rights, and civil rights and risks regarding immigration status.
Mosaic Georgia may not provide legal representation in tort (personal injury) cases, child sexual abuse cases, cases involving the child protection system, victim services employee cases and criminal defense of victims charged with crimes.
GETTING INVOLVED FAQs
How can I volunteer?
You can volunteer with Mosaic Georgia in several capacities:
- Volunteer Advocate– provide direct support to clients of Mosaic Georgia within the center and via our 24 hour crisis line. Click here to learn more.
- Administrative Volunteer– perform administrative tasks while greeting clients and visitors of the center. Click here to learn more.
- Guardian– represent Mosaic Georgia and help raise awareness during community festivals, events, and special campaigns. Click here to learn more.
How can I donate to Mosaic Georgia?
You can donate to Mosaic Georgia using our donation page. It is secure and easy to use! If you prefer to send in a check donation, you can send it to Mosaic Georgia at P.O. Box 1329 Duluth, GA 30096
You can also contribute to our mission by creating your own fundraiser or through other means. Click here to learn more!