Survivors after assault
The hours following a sexual assault are often full of humiliation and shame for survivors.
They might visit an emergency room or advocacy center for medical care and a forensic examination. They are encouraged not to bathe, shower, or brush their teeth beforehand. Their clothes are collected as evidence for law enforcement, and often they are sent home in paper hospital gowns.
We believe sexual assault survivors deserve more.
Our Impact
Layers of Dignity provides survivors with a tote bag full of toiletries and clothing for leaving the hospital. Each tote includes a hand-written letter from a fellow survivor and a next-step guide for restoring hope and dignity after an assault. Instead of leaving in paper clothing, sexual assault survivors can take the first steps to healing in brand-new clothes, armed with resources and a community that will walk with them.
Survivors have a long road ahead of them. Layers of Dignity lets them know they are not alone.
Our Why
Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a sexual assault. The physical, emotional, and mental effects can last years. Our hope is for every survivor to experience radical healing after trauma, and know they are not alone.
1 in 6
women
1 in 6 American women has experienced sexual assault in her lifetime.
98%
experience PTSD
98% of women will experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the first two weeks after an assault.
1 in 33
Men
About 3% of American men—or 1 in 33—have experienced sexual assault in their lifetime.
Get Involved
Donate
We provide simple clothing that restores dignity and provides comfort. You can contribute monetarily or donate clothing and supplies through Amazon.
Volunteer
Our impact is made possible by volunteers. Explore how you or your organization can join us in supporting survivors in our communities.
Write
We provide a note from a fellow survivor in every tote. Share messages of encouragement and stories of recovery in a love letter to a survivor.
