What To Do If You Are Raped

If you have just experienced a sexual assault, here are some important things to keep in mind:

Are you safe right now?

Get to a safe place, whether it is the nearest hospital, police precinct, your home, or the home of a friend.

Consider contacting the police.

You may want to call 911, or contact your closest police precinct. The police will be able to take your report and assist you in pressing charges, should you so desire, as well as in getting medical attention.

Do not bathe, shower, change clothes, eat, drink, go to the bathroom, or brush your teeth.

If you are considering making a police report, this is very important as there may be evidence on your clothing or body.

Seek medical attention.

Going to the hospital does not mean that you have to make a police report or press charges. It means that you are taking care of yourself after a traumatic event. Medical attention can insure prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, and provide prophylactic medication for HIV. You may also choose to have an evidence collection kit taken at this time.

Consider counseling services.

There are many programs that provide free counseling and supportive services for survivors of sexual assault. Although nothing can change what has happened, it is possible to heal from the trauma of the assault, and counseling may be the first step towards recovery.

Remember – you are not to blame for the assault.

Nothing that you did provoked the assault; the perpetrator is entirely to blame.