You are not alone. You were never alone.
BondedPod is a secure, anonymous platform that connects survivors who share a perpetrator — so that together, you are impossible to ignore.
How it works
Submit anonymously as Jane Doe or John Doe. Your identity is encrypted and never shared without your consent.
If our system finds another report naming the same perpetrator, your pod is notified by a secure, anonymous email.
Reveal yourself only if and when you choose. Collectively decide whether to press charges or pursue civil action.
Why this exists
Most perpetrators are serial offenders. Most survivors are not believed — not by police, not by courts, not by people around them. The same story, dismissed over and over, because each survivor is alone.
BondedPod changes that. When multiple people come forward naming the same person, the pattern becomes undeniable. You don't have to face this alone, and you don't have to decide anything right now. Just document. Just know you've been heard.
Unlike similar tools that only serve college campuses, BondedPod is open to anyone, anywhere in the public.
All reports are end-to-end encrypted. Perpetrator and survivor information is never shared with third parties. You control every step of disclosure — including choosing to remain completely anonymous forever.
You can report anonymously at any time. You do not need a police report. You do not need a lawyer. Fill in only what you are comfortable sharing.
Privacy first: Your name and contact information are encrypted and never visible to other survivors without your explicit consent. You may report as Jane Doe or John Doe.
We will never reveal this to anyone. Used only to alert you if a match is found.
This is encrypted and used only for matching with other reports.
A police report is always encouraged, especially if your pod grows. We can connect you with resources.
What happens next: Your report is securely stored. If our system finds another report naming the same perpetrator, you will receive an anonymous notification at your contact email. You can then choose whether to reveal yourself to others in your pod or continue anonymously. No action is ever taken on your behalf without your explicit agreement.
You deserve care and support right now — regardless of whether you report or not. These resources are free, confidential, and available to you.
Crisis & immediate support
Free, confidential support 24/7. Trained staff help you understand your options and connect with local services.
Text-based support, any hour. Trained crisis counselors respond within minutes.
Covers sexual violence within relationships. Chat and call options available.
Finding a therapist
Trauma-specialized therapy is one of the most effective tools for healing. Many survivors do not know that therapy costs related to a sexual assault may be reimbursable through state Crime Victim Compensation programs — even without a police report in some states.
Filter by trauma specialty, insurance, sliding scale fee, and telehealth. Search by zip code.
Reduced-cost therapy sessions ($30–$80) from licensed therapists who specialize in trauma.
Locate rape crisis centers near you that offer free counseling, advocacy, and support groups.
Specialized support for men and boys who have experienced sexual trauma. Online support groups and chat available.
You do not need to pay out of pocket first. See the Compensation page to learn how your state may cover therapy costs directly.
After an assault — medical care
If the assault was recent, a forensic exam (SANE exam) can collect evidence — even if you are not ready to report. The exam is free. You do not have to speak to police to have one. Evidence is preserved for you to use if you choose to later.
Find your nearest SANE exam location via RAINN or call 1-800-656-4673 and ask for your nearest sexual assault center.
Every U.S. state has a program that can reimburse survivors for therapy, medical bills, and other costs — funded primarily by fees paid by convicted offenders, not taxpayers.
What can be covered
Sessions with licensed therapists related to your assault, often for multiple years of treatment.
Hospital, ER, SANE exam, medications, and follow-up care resulting from the assault.
Income lost because of injuries, court appearances, or inability to work related to the crime.
If you need to move for your safety, some states cover moving expenses.
Covered in most states for incidents in your home.
Transportation to therapy, court, and medical appointments.
Average benefit limit is about $25,000 per survivor, though amounts vary by state. Some states, like Texas, offer up to $50,000 with an additional $25,000 specifically for sexual assault medical care.
Do I need a police report?
Most states require a police report, but many make exceptions for sexual assault. Connecticut requires only disclosure to a certified sexual assault counselor. Pennsylvania allows counseling claims without a police report. California accepts a forensic exam alone as sufficient. Check your specific state's rules via RAINN's hotline (1-800-656-4673).
How to apply
Search "[your state] crime victim compensation" or use the NACVCB directory at nacvcb.org to find your state office.
Police report if you have one, medical or therapy bills, pay stubs if claiming lost wages. Advocates can help — you don't have to wait until you have everything.
Most states allow online submission. Applications typically must be filed within 1–5 years of the crime, though exceptions exist.
Approved claims are paid directly to you or to your provider. The program pays as a last resort — it covers what insurance does not.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Local rape crisis centers and victim service organizations can help you fill out the paperwork at no cost to you.
If you were born outside the United States and were sexually assaulted here, you may have a legal pathway to stay in the country, work legally, and eventually apply for a green card. This is the U Visa.
Important: You do not need to be in the country legally to apply for a U Visa. Your immigration status at the time of the crime does not disqualify you.
What the U Visa provides
U Visa status is valid for 4 years and protects you from deportation while your case is processed.
You can apply for a work permit once your application is under review.
After 3 years in U Visa status and cooperating with law enforcement, you may apply for lawful permanent residence.
Spouses, children, and in some cases parents and siblings may also qualify for derivative U Visa status.
All U Visa application forms are fee-exempt. USCIS does not charge you to apply.
Some states including California provide state-funded food and income support to U Visa holders while waiting.
Annual cap: There are 10,000 U Visas available per year. Processing can take up to 32 months for initial review. However, you may receive work authorization and protection from deportation while on the official waitlist. Apply as early as possible.
Eligibility requirements
Sexual assault and rape qualify. So do domestic violence, trafficking, kidnapping, and many others.
You must be able to demonstrate that the crime caused you harm — physical, emotional, or both.
You must be helpful, have been helpful, or be likely to be helpful in the investigation or prosecution of the crime. Law enforcement will sign a certification (Form I-918, Supplement B) on your behalf.
The qualifying crime must have happened on US soil or violated US federal law.
Educational rights for U Visa holders
U Visa holders and their children have the right to access public education regardless of immigration status. Children have the right to enroll in K–12 public schools. U Visa holders may also be eligible for federal student aid programs. Many states offer in-state tuition to U Visa holders.
Where to get help applying
The official government resource explaining the U Visa application process and required forms (I-918, I-918B).
Free resources and referrals for immigrant survivors of violence.
Directory of free and low-cost immigration legal service providers by state.
Plain-language guide available in multiple languages explaining the full process step by step.
You have two separate legal paths: criminal charges (brought by the state) and a civil lawsuit (brought by you). These have different rules, different deadlines, and different outcomes. Both can matter.
Criminal vs. Civil: In a criminal case, the government prosecutes the perpetrator — the goal is punishment. In a civil lawsuit, you sue the perpetrator directly for financial compensation covering medical bills, therapy, lost income, and pain and suffering. A perpetrator can be acquitted in criminal court and still lose a civil case. Both routes are available to you simultaneously.
Statute of limitations — act within these windows
Time limits are real. If you wait too long, you may permanently lose the right to sue — even with strong evidence. Many survivors are so traumatized that they don't realize this option exists until years later. That is why we are telling you now. Many states have recently extended or eliminated time limits, so even if you think your time has passed, consult an attorney.
| State | Civil SOL (Adults) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | No limit (abuse after Jan 1, 2024) | 3-yr window for pre-2024 adult cases through Dec 2026 |
| New York | Varies by offense | Adult Survivors Act lookback window — consult attorney |
| Texas | 3 years from incident | Extensions possible; consult attorney |
| Florida | 4 years | Discovery rule may extend if harm discovered later |
| Illinois | 10 years | Extended for childhood abuse survivors |
| Colorado | No limit (after Jan 1, 2022) | 6 years for pre-2022 incidents |
| Maryland | No limit (after Oct 1, 2023) | Retroactively eliminated for child abuse |
| Georgia | 2 years | 23rd birthday deadline for childhood abuse |
| Nevada | 2 years (adults) | Retroactive extension in effect — consult attorney |
| Massachusetts | 35 years from incident | Or 7 years from discovery of harm |
This table is a general guide only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for current deadlines.
Lookback windows closing soon
Several states have opened temporary windows allowing survivors whose civil deadlines had expired to file new lawsuits. California's adult survivor window closes December 31, 2026. Louisiana's window runs through June 2027. Mississippi's window runs through June 2027. If you believe your deadline has passed, speak to an attorney before assuming it is too late.
What you can recover in a civil suit
All past and future treatment costs directly related to the assault.
Wages lost due to trauma, recovery, or legal proceedings.
Emotional distress, PTSD, and the lasting impact on your quality of life.
Many sexual assault attorneys work on contingency — meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case. You should never have to choose between justice and your finances.
Legal aid & free consultations
RAINN maintains a network of attorneys and legal clinics that offer free consultations to sexual assault survivors. Start here for a referral in your state.
Provides free legal representation to crime victims through a network of pro bono attorneys. Operates in all 50 states.
Dedicated exclusively to sexual assault survivors' legal needs. Covers civil claims, privacy, employment, housing, and education rights.
Federally funded civil legal aid. Income-based eligibility. Protective orders, civil suits, and more.
Searchable directory of private attorneys who specialize in sexual assault civil litigation. Many offer free first consultations.
Questions to ask in a free consultation
• Do you work on contingency, and what percentage do you take if we win?
• What is the statute of limitations deadline for my specific case?
• Is there a lookback window open in my state right now?
• Can I file a civil case even if criminal charges were dropped or the perpetrator was acquitted?
• Can I sue my employer or institution (school, church) if they failed to protect me?
• How long do these cases typically take?
You can file a civil lawsuit even if: No police report was filed. The criminal case was dropped. The perpetrator was found not guilty. Years have passed. You reported under a pseudonym. The civil and criminal systems are entirely separate.