Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault

If you have been sexually assaulted, here is a list of things to do immediately after the attack:

  • Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker.  Ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support.
  • Know that what happened was not your fault and that now you should do what is best for you.
  • To get free, confidential support 24 hours a day, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE or visit the Online Hotline.
  • Get medical attention.  Even with no major physical injuries, you need a doctor to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.  Getting treated as soon as possible can lower your chances of becoming pregnant and of contracting HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

It is strongly recommended that you report your attack to the police as soon as possible by calling 911.  If you are considering reporting the attack to the police:

  • A counselor on the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-565-HOPE can answer your questions about reporting and about the legal process in your area.
  • Preserve evidence of the attack: Do not bathe or brush your teeth.  Do not change, destroy, or clean your clothing.  If the attack took place in your home or car, do not rearrange or clean up anything.  You could destroy evidence.
  • Immediately write down all  the details you can remember about the attack and the attacker.
  • Ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam to preserve forensic evidence.
  • If you think you may have been drugged, ask for a urine sample to be collected.  The sample will need to be analyzed later by a forensic lab.

When reporting a sexual assault, you have the right to:

  • Determine whether to report the crime to the police.
  • Ask for a female police officer if you choose to report.
  • Refuse to have evidence collected.
  • Request that someone accompany you into the examination room.
  • Sue the attacker in civil court for money.
  • Locate an attorney to represent you (the prosecutor is not your attorney).  The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE can help you find one.
  • Be considered a victim/survivor regardless of the attacker's relationship to you.