North Carolina has a large number of rape crisis centers throughout the state that can be of help to you. These centers provide free, confidential referrals and services for sexual assault victims, survivors and their close family and friends. One of the most important services is a hotline that you can call to talk to a trained staff member or volunteer about your feelings and concerns related to the assault. Your conversations with rape crisis center staff are kept private and confidential by North Carolina law. If you are concerned about mandatory reporting to the police or to DSS, you can withhold your name and still have your questions answered in privacy.