How to Get Proper Medical Attention After a Sexual Assault

Following a sexual assault, you should first seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if their wounds aren't apparent, sex crime victims are at a higher risk for contracting sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Nurse and other trained medical personnel
• Hospital
• Computer with Internet access
• Telephone

Seek Medical Attention After a Sexual Assault

1. Go to your local hospital's emergency room for immediate medical attention. Do not bathe, shower or brush your teeth before you go, as you may destroy key evidence that will help convict your assailant.
2. Inform the medical staff of your situation and advise them whether you wish them to use a rape kit to collect evidence. You may also ask them to contact the authorities so you may press charges against your attacker.
3. A nurse will need to administer blood tests and other tests to determine whether you have been infected with a sexually transmitted disease or impregnated during your assault.
4. Follow up with your personal doctor 1 to 2 weeks after your trip to the ER to discuss the results of these tests. This medical professional will advise you regarding treatment, which may include a course of antibiotics or other drugs depending on the findings.
5. Visit the RAINN Web site (see Resources below) to find counselors and support programs in your area. They can help you get proper mental health assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• After a sexual assault, it is your right to determine whether you wish to participate in the collection of evidence against your attacker. This generally includes the use of a rape or sexual assault evidence kit. You may give and revoke your consent at any time during the process.
• According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 38 percent of all date rapes or acquaintance rapes involved women between the ages of 14 and 17. A recent Harvard Medical School study indicated that teenage girls who were victims of sexual assault were much more likely to become involved in self-destructive behavior including suicide.