Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Survivors


If you have recently been sexually assaulted, you may be scared and confused. Above all, remember that what happened to you is not your fault. The following is some advice to help you through this difficult time:

  • First, get to a safe place immediately.
  • Tell someone who will help and support you. Call a trusted friend, family member and/or rape crisis hotline.
    • Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected to a rape crisis center or click here to locate your nearest rape crisis center for free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day. They can offer options and help you identify what is best for you.
  • Consider going to the hospital for medical care and a sexual assault forensic exam, which is an exam that involves collecting evidence for law enforcement. Your safety and health are important. A doctor or nurse can check for injuries that may not be visible and can treat you for possible sexually transmitted infections.
    • The sexual assault forensic exam can be completed even if you choose not to involve the police or file a report at this time. If you do not wish to have a sexual assault forensic exam, you may also elect to go to your own family care physician for medical assessment and treatment. Medical professionals are not required to call law enforcement if an adult patient has been sexually assaulted, but if the victim is a minor they will have to call the police.
  • If you think you might want to have a sexual assault forensic examination, do your best to preserve evidence. A victim is eligible for a sexual assault forensic exam up to 96 hours after the assault.
    • Avoid changing clothes, showering, bathing, eating, drinking, using the restroom, douching, washing your hands or brushing your teeth until after you have had the exam. If you have already done any of these things, you can still receive a sexual assault forensic exam. If it is possible that you were drugged, but cannot wait to urinate until you arrive at the hospital, collect your first urine in a clean container with a lid and take it to the emergency room or police station with you.
  • Consider reporting the assault to the police. It is your choice whether or not to report the rape. For the quickest response, call 911 to be connected to the nearest police department.
    • For investigative purposes, the sooner you report the rape, the better. If you choose not to report the assault immediately, you can still do so at a later time. You may have a sexual assault forensic examination to collect evidence even if you choose not to involve the police or file a police report. Evidence will be stored for you for at least two years.

As a sexual assault victim, you are not at fault. No one asks to be raped. Only the rapist is responsible.

If you were sexually assaulted some time ago, or if you are a friend or family member looking for ways to support a loved one who has been assaulted, there are resources available for you as well. Rape crisis centers provide counseling and support for victims regardless of how recently they were assaulted, and many also offer services to loved ones of victims. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected to a rape crisis center for free and confidential assistance 24 hours a day.