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| what to do if you are raped |
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- Get to a safe place. Go somewhere that is away from your assailant(s).
- Call someone you trust to be with you . Call a friend or family member, no matter what time of day or night it is.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you did not sustain what you consider to be major physical injuries, it is important to be examined by a medical professional for internal injuries, be treated for possible STD transmission and obtain information regarding options for emergency contraception, if applicable. Call the police or 911, or go directly to a hospital emergency room.
-If possible, bring a complete change of clothes (including underwear and socks/shoes) with you to the examination. Do not shower, bathe, brush your teeth or douche. These activities may destroy physical evidence that could be used in the possible prosecution of your attacker.
-When seeking medical treatment from a hospital or clinic, please note that some of these facilities call the police as a matter of policy. This does not mean that you have to talk to them. You are in control of whether or not you choose to report the crime.
-If you are unsure if you want to file charges against your assailant(s), that’s OK. Do not let that keep you from seeking medical attention. Your health is paramount.
For an overview of what to expect from
a hospital examination, please click here.
- Call your local rape crisis center or the National Sexual Assault Hotline
(1.800.656.HOPE) for support . Rape crisis centers offer individual and, in many cases, group counseling for sexual assault survivors. Many of these programs are free to survivors, or are available on a sliding scale (based upon ability to pay). Speaking to people who understand what you are going through and who know how to help is a great first step in healing.
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