FAQ
What services do you provide?
The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) provides emergency, temporary shelter and services to victims of domestic violence and their dependent children, victims of sexual violence and their family/significant other, and stalking. The WRC has 2 crisis lines – Shelter 405-701-5540, and the Rape Crisis Center at 405-701-5660. There is no charge for any of the services provided by WRC.
do you provide education or consultation to the community?
Yes. The WRC staff will come and present information to classes, community groups and participate in community events or work events. Call the WRC at 405-364-9424 or email jodies@wrcweb.net.
do you only provide services to women?
No. The WRC Shelter provides services to women, men and their dependent children affected by Domestic Violence. In emergency situations, the WRC can provide a safe place for male victims of intimate partner violence. The Rape Crisis Center provides services to adolescents ages 13-18, women and men. Our services are 100% free and confidential.
do you provide legal counsel?
No. The WRC refers Legal Aid. The WRC can assist with the exploration of your legal options, weigh the pros and cons of your choices, and refer you to legal counsel if you choose.
What is rape?
Rape is any kind of sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, or anal) that is committed against a person’s will or is committed with physical force or threat to hurt the victim or another person. It is also considered rape if the victim is intoxicated or unconscious and unable to give consent. Rape and sexual assault are not about sexual desire- they are about power and control.
Sexual assault is the legal term for rape, and it also encompasses other behaviors beyond forced sexual intercourse. Sexual assault can be any unwanted sexual contact, such as unwanted touching, fondling, or groping of sexual body parts, even through clothes. It can be committed by the use of threats or force or when someone takes advantage of circumstances that render a person incapable of giving consent, such as intoxication.
do i have to go the hospital for a rape exam?
No. The Rape Crisis Center has an exam room specifically designed to provide the forensic medical exam. An Advocate will stay with you during the entire process and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner who has received specialized training will do the forensic medical exam.
what type of donations do you accept or how can I donate?
Please call (405) 364-9424 to find out if the item you have to donate is one that we need. We have limited storage space to store items. You can refer to our Amazon Wish List or our ongoing needs list. If you wish to make a monetary contribution you can donate through this webpage or mail a contribution to: Women’s Resource Center, P.O. Box 5089, Norman Ok, 73070. Make checks payable to Women’s Resource Center.
what if i need a protective order?
Call 405-364-9424 and ask to speak with an Advocate who can assist you with the protective order. The Advocate can assist you in filling out the paperwork, accompany you to court and Advocate for you if necessary. There is no charge for this service.
what is an emergency protective order?
An Emergency Protective Order (EPO), is a civil court order issued by a judge to prevent one person from committing certain acts against another. An EPO is a legal method used to help protect people from rape or any further acts of domestic abuse, such as; physical harm, threats, harassment, and stalking. The person filing for an EPO is considered a PLAINTIFF and the person being filed against is considered a DEFENDANT.
do you provide individual or group counseling?
The WRC provides individual supportive services, crisis intervention, court advocacy and advocacy services for people victimized by domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and stalking. The WRC provides education groups and supportive groups for victims of domestic and sexual violence. For more information call 405-364-9424.
what is intimate partner violence?
Intimate partner violence is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Intimate partner violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior perpetrated by an intimate partner against another. Intimate partner violence results in physical injury, psychological trauma, and sometimes death. Types of intimate partner violence include physical, emotional, spiritual, psychological, societal, financial, and sexual.
The violence does not have to occur every day to be considered intimate partner violence. The cycle of violence is ongoing and includes a tension building/stress period, a crisis or violent episode(s) and a seductive calm period. The amount of time that passes in between each period is different for everyone. Over time the tension building/stress period and crisis or violent episode(s) may occur closer together and become more severe. Eventually the seductive calm period may disappear completely.
do i have to report rape to law enforcement to get an exam?
In 2010, legislature passed a law that allows a victim of rape or forcible sodomy to get a forensic medical exam without having to report it to law enforcement. The exam is paid for out of the Sexual Assault Examination Fund through Victims Compensation. Should you decide at a later date that you wish to pursue charges against the perpetrator the evidence will have already been collected and in the custody of the appropriate law enforcement agency. Each law enforcement agency has their own policy for how long they will keep ‘Jane Doe’ kits. If you have any questions contact the Rape Crisis Center at 405-701-5550.
what can i expect from a forensic medical exam?
A rape exam can be daunting and there are a lot of misconceptions that come along with it. At any time during the exam you can choose which steps of the exam you would or would not wish to complete. Every law enforcement agency stores and processes rape kits differently; the results of the rape kits are given to the reporting law enforcement agency. If you have any further questions about the rape kit or exam, please call us at (405) 701-5660 or (405) 701-5550. There is no cost for the exam or medications given.
How are you funded?
We receive funding from the Attorney General’s Office, VOCA grant (Victim of Crime Assistance), VAWA (Violence Against Women Act), SASP (Sexual Assault Services Programs), SHDRPE (State Health Department Rape Prevention Education), Cleveland County, City of Norman, United Way and through various events and individual donations throughout the year.