How to Know What to Do After a Sex Crime

Sex crimes include rape, attempted rape (which is referred to in some states as sexual assault) and incest. The violation of your body makes it be hard to know what to do immediately after a sex crime. In the US, it is estimated that more than half of sex crimes go unreported. Here's what to after a sex crime.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Go to a place where you feel safe immediately, preferably where you have a good friend with you.
2. Change clothes but keep the clothes you were wearing. Do not take a shower or brush your teeth--you'll be destroying physical evidence important in proving the sex crime.
3. Ask the friend to help you write down as many details as you can about the experience and the perpetrator.
4. Contact your local rape crisis center, or the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (see Resources below) as soon as you can.
5. Seek medical help based on the suggestions of the counselors at the rape crisis center. If you suspect that you were assaulted with the help of a date rape drug, be sure to tell this to the doctors. They will then do a urine test to find the drug in question.
6. Call the police and ask to report a sex crime. The rape crisis center will counsel you as to what to expect. Your privacy will be protected.

Tips & Warnings

• Even if you're not absolutely certain that you've been a victim of a sex crime (if, for instance, you may have fallen victim to a date rape drug) follow the same steps as above.
• Many resources are available to rape and incest victims 24 hours a day. Counselors at rape crisis centers are trained to tell you what actions to take immediately after a sex crime.
• Showering destroys the evidence. Preserve every physical item you can from the episode.