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Kavanaugh Hearing Triggering Bad Feelings? Here's Where You Can Get Help
Christine Blasey Ford testifies before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill Sept. 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Saul Loeb-Pool/Getty Images)
Dr. Christine Blasey Ford's testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the other allegations of sexual misconduct against Judge Brett Kavanaugh have supercharged the national conversation about sexual harassment and assault.
For many, Thursday's hearing stirred up difficult memories.
"Sexual abuse is a very traumatic event, and people respond differently. Some people will shut it out, but when something triggers someone, just as you know, sometimes people see a sunflower and it reminds them of a childhood memory," said Cristina Jimenez, outreach services coordinator for Project Sister Family Services in Pomona.
Some chose to watch it alone, sharing texts with friends about their reactions.
"A lot of our members decided this was something that they didn't want to get together for," said Marilù Guevara, executive director of the L.A. League of Women Voters. "It's definitely not an easy thing."
If you're feeling triggered or just need some extra support, below are a number of ways you can connect with someone trained to help you or receive services if you've recently been the victim of a sexual assault:
Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
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It offers a 24-hour hotline.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
It offers a 24-hour hotline.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Peace Over Violence - Los Angeles
It staffs 24-hour hotlines, provides counseling, and has an Emergency Response Team and a Domestic Abuse Response Team. It also offers case management and legal services.
East Los Angeles Women's Center
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Its services include a 24-hour bilingual hotline, individual and group therapy, case management services, crisis intervention, safety planning and advocacy.
Project Sister Family Services - Pomona
It offers a 24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline, a Child Abuse Hotline, counseling, support groups, a walk-in clinic and more.
Strength United - Cal State Northridge
It offers a 24-hour hotline and a 24-hour Sexual Assault Response Team, along with counseling and advocacy for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. It also has a 24-hour hotline for people living in Valencia: (661) 253-0258.
It lists a general 24-hour hotline for Southern Californians, along with separate 24-hour hotlines for people in central L.A., South L.A. and the San Gabriel Valley.
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The Rape Foundation - The Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center
Its website says it provides expert, comprehensive, and compassionate free care for sexual assault victims - children and adults - 24 hours a day, including emergency medical treatment and forensic services; crisis counseling and longer-term psychotherapy; advocacy; accompaniment during police reporting, medical care, and court proceedings; information about rights and options to help victims make informed choices; and many other support services
Valley Oasis - Lancaster
Its services include a 24-hour hotline, counseling and a shelter for victims of domestic violence.
ORANGE COUNTY
Community Service Programs, Inc. - Sexual Assault Victim Service - Santa Ana
It offers a 24-hour hotline: (714) 957-2737
Sponsored message
RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Center Against Sexual Assault of Southwest Riverside County
It operates a 24-hour crisis line and provides crisis counseling and support group services to the survivors of sexual assault in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley community.
Morongo Basin Sexual Assault Services
Its services include a 24-hour crisis hotline.
Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center
Its services include a 24-hour hotline.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
San Bernardino Sexual Assault Servicesand Coachella Valley Sexual Assault Services
They offer a 24-hour hotline and services for victims of sexual assault.
VENTURA COUNTY
Coalition for Family Harmony - Oxnard
Its services include a rape crisis center, a domestic violence emergency safe house, counseling and support groups.
Reporter Mary Plummer contributed to this report.
UPDATES:
11:45 a.m., Sept. 28: This article was updated with more quotes.
This article was originally published at 2:18 p.m. Sept. 27.
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