Getting Help

Who can call the hotline?

Our 24-hour sexual assault hotline, 1-800-886-7273, is open to anyone. Call if you're in crisis, need information or a referral, or just have a question, no matter when it happened. People call about sexual assault, child sexual abuse, harassment, online abuse, and more.

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My friend or family member was assaulted. Can I call?

Yes. We can talk you through what's happening, explain their options, and help you support them.

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Is the hotline confidential?

Yes, with exceptions that Texas law requires. Advocates must contact authorities when a child or a vulnerable adult is in danger. Otherwise, advocates don't share information about your call without your permission, and they don't contact police unless you want them to.

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Who will I be speaking to?

An advocate. Our hotline advocates are local staff and volunteers who have completed 40 hours of specialized training through a program certified by the Texas Office of the Attorney General.

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Do I have to report to police?

No, if you are 18 or older. You can call the hotline, have an exam, and get counseling without reporting. For survivors under 18, Texas law requires us to report suspected abuse to Child Protective Services (CPS). Exams for children are done at a children's hospital, which contacts police.

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Does it cost anything?

No. All services at The Turning Point are free. Additional medical care at a hospital may have costs. Our advocates can help you understand your options for financial assistance.​​

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Forensic Exams

What is a forensic exam?

A forensic exam, also called a sexual assault exam or rape kit, is medical care after a sexual assault from a nurse trained to give it. It can include care for injuries, medication to help prevent infection or pregnancy, and collecting evidence if you want that. You decide what happens.

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Who does the exam?

Our forensic nurses are registered nurses or advanced practice nurses. Our forensic nurses are registered nurses with specialized training in sexual assault examinations. Our team includes nurses certified by the Texas Office of the Attorney General as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs), with qualifications for the patient populations they serve.

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Where can I get an exam?

At Courtney's SAFE Place, our forensic clinic at 3325 Silverstone Drive in Plano, where you can have an exam outside a hospital emergency room, for ages 17 and older. Call 1-800-886-7273 first to schedule. You can also go to the emergency room at any of our partner hospitals and ask for a sexual assault exam. The hospital calls us, and one of our nurses comes to you.

See all exam locations.

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Can my child get an exam?

Yes. Our nurses do exams for children and teens under 17 at Children's Medical Center Plano and Children's Medical Center Dallas. Call 1-800-886-7273 and we'll help you figure out where to go.

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How long after an assault can I get an exam?

Up to 120 hours (5 days) for DNA evidence collection. If more time has passed, call us. An exam or other medical care may still be available.

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What if I've already showered or changed clothes?

You can still have an exam. Take care of yourself first. We have a change of clothes for you if you need one.

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What happens during an exam?

The exam starts with a conversation, and you can say no to any part of it. A forensic nurse collects evidence if you want, checks for injuries, and talks with you about medication to prevent infection or pregnancy. An advocate stays with you during the exam to provide support, unless you decline. Most exams take about 3 hours.

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Do I have to report to police to get an exam?

No, if you are 18 or older. You can have an exam and decide later whether to report. If you don't report, your evidence kit is stored for 5 years so you can decide later.

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Counseling and Support

Can someone help me with next steps?

Yes. Our survivor care advocates follow up after your hotline call or exam and help with what comes next. They can answer questions, connect you with resources and referrals, help you apply for crime victims' compensation, and support you through the legal process. This help is free, and you decide how much of it you want.

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Do you offer counseling for sexual assault survivors?

Yes. Individual and group counseling is free for survivors ages 13 and older. Our counselors are licensed and specialize in trauma from sexual violence. To get started, call 1-800-886-7273 to set up an intake appointment. Current support groups are listed on our Counseling Page.

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Can I get counseling if it happened a long time ago?

Yes. We counsel survivors of any form of sexual violence no matter when it happened, including abuse in childhood.

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Do you offer support for family and friends?

Yes. We offer group therapy for family and friends of survivors.

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Do you offer EMDR?

Yes. All of our licensed counselors are trained in EMDR. We also offer an intensive EMDR program for survivors of a recent assault. Call 1-800-886-7273 to find out if it's a fit for you.

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Do I have to report to police to get counseling?

No, if you are 18 or older. For survivors 13 to 17, Texas law requires us to report suspected abuse to Child Protective Services (CPS).

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Other Questions

Do you offer services in Spanish?

Yes. Bilingual staff provide counseling and advocacy in Spanish. On the hotline, an advocate connects you with an interpreter through a language line, which also covers other languages.

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Do you serve men and LGBTQ+ survivors?

Yes. We serve survivors of every gender and sexual orientation.

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Can you help with the legal process?

Yes. Our survivor care advocates aren't attorneys, but they can explain your options, go with you to the police or court, and help with protective orders and crime victims' compensation.

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Where are you located?

Our office and Courtney's SAFE Place are at 3325 Silverstone Drive, Plano, Texas 75023. Our office phone is 972-985-0951. For help any time, call our 24-hour sexual assault hotline at

1-800-886-7273.

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Is The Turning Point connected to other organizations named Turning Point?

No. The Turning Point in Plano, Texas, is an independent rape crisis center. It was founded in 1985 as the Rape Crisis Center of Collin County.​

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Getting Involved

How do I volunteer?

Volunteers help as hotline and hospital advocates, at outreach events, with fundraising, with administrative work, and more. Advocates take on-call shifts after 40 hours of training we provide, which is certified through the Texas Office of the Attorney General. To get started, fill out the volunteer application on our Volunteer Page. Once on the Volunteer Page click the "Apply" button.

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Can you train our school, workplace, or group?

Yes. We give awareness and prevention presentations and trainings to schools, community groups, employers, faith communities, and law enforcement. To request a speaker or learn more visit our Education & Outreach Page or email info@theturningpoint.org. We also run Building Strong Futures, a community-based violence prevention initiative working with families and youth. Learn more at www.buildingstrongfutures.com.

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How can I support The Turning Point?

Donations pay for the nurses, advocates, and counselors behind every free service we provide, from the 24-hour hotline to forensic exams and counseling. Donate online Click Here