Talk to Someone Confidentially

If you are not ready to speak with the police, you can still talk to someone who will listen and support you, such as our city police department advocate, Jamelah Carswell, at (928) 203-5181 or JCarswell@sedonaaz.gov. Advocates provide emotional support, safety planning, and help with accessing resources. You may speak with them anonymously.

Report the Assault (If You Choose To) 

Reporting is your choice, and we will respect your decision. You can report by calling 911 in an emergency, calling the Sedona Police Department non-emergency line at (928) 282-3100, visiting the City of Sedona Police Department in person, or requesting that an officer meet you at a safe location. A trained officer or detective will listen, answer questions, and explain every step of the process.

What Happens When You Report

We understand that not knowing what will happen can feel scary. Here’s what the process usually looks like:

• You will first talk with an officer or detective in a private, safe space. You can have an advocate with you if you want.
• In sexual assault cases, you can choose to have a forensic exam. It is always optional.
• A detective trained to work with survivors of violence; such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or cases involving elderly or vulnerable people; will gather information, follow up on evidence, and keep you updated.
• A victim advocate can give emotional support, help with safety planning, provide transportation referrals, and share updates about your case.
• If your case goes to the prosecutor’s office, you will be kept informed and can ask questions at any time.

Sedona Police Department – How Jamelah Carswell Will Support You

As a Victim Advocate and Background Investigator, Jamelah Carswell will support you by helping you navigate the justice process and connecting you with the resources you need. She can help you by:

• Guiding you through each step of the legal process so you know what to expect.
• Reviewing your information from the police report and reaching out to see how she can assist.
• Identifying your needs and referring you to helpful resources.
• Providing on-scene crisis support if she responds with officers.
• Helping you with paperwork when things feel overwhelming.
• Working closely with the prosecutor to keep you updated on your case.
• Supporting you through misdemeanor cases and coordinating with county victim services if your case is a felony.
• Continuing support even after it moves to the county, if that’s what you want.

Although her role is similar to social services, she is not a therapist and does not run support groups, or provide legal advice, but she will make sure you are connected with those services. Her focus is on direct support, system navigation, and ensuring you never have to move through this process alone.

Your Rights as a Survivor

As a victim or survivor of assault, you have the right to be treated with dignity, privacy, and respect; receive a free forensic exam (for sexual assault survivors); have a victim advocate present during interviews; request an interpreter if needed; be informed about the status and progress of your case; request protective orders when necessary; and participate in or decline any part of the process you are uncomfortable with.

Types of Victims We Support

As a Sedona Police Department advocate, Jamelah supports all victims of crime, including:

• Domestic Violence (DV): Help is available if someone at home is hurting or controlling you. We can help you stay safe and get the support you need.
• Sexual Assault: Help is available if you have been sexually harmed. We can guide you, protect you, and connect you with safe resources.
• Elderly Abuse: Help is available if you are an older adult and have been hurt, neglected, or taken advantage of. We can help you find safety and support.
• Fraud: Help is available if someone has tricked you or taken your money. We can explain your options and connect you with safe resources.

Everyone deserves support. We can help connect you with tailored resources. We support minors and youth, LGBTQIA + survivors, immigrants or undocumented individuals, people with disabilities, college students, and military personnel. If you belong to any of these communities, please let us know if you’d like specific services or advocacy.

Confidentiality & Privacy

We understand that privacy is important. Your information will be treated with care and respect. You can ask at any time how your information is stored or shared.

If you are a victim of sexual assault and choose a forensic exam but decide not to report, the evidence can usually be stored confidentially for a certain time under state law. You can also ask for an advocate at any time to help you understand your privacy rights.

We Are Here for You

Healing takes time, and you do not have to go through this alone. Whether you want help now or just need information, we are here to support you in a way that feels right for you.