How to Respond If You Are Ever Sexually Assaulted

If you become a victim of a sexual assault, there are some very important things that you need to know and do in order to increase the chances of prosecution of the offender.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Call 911. Go to a friend or family member if you cannot call for emergency. Did you know that you can call 911 from any cell phone, even if their are no minutes on that phone. Go directly to the closest emergency room.

2. Do not eat, drink or smoke. This is so that the medical staff can obtain evidence of the offender.

3. Do not bath or shower. I know that you will feel dirty and embarrassed but this is one of the most crucial steps in gathering evidence. If you must change clothes (it is better if you don't) place the clothes that you were wearing in a newspaper. Newspapers go through very high heat when printing and is considered sterile.

4. Tell the triage nurse that you have been assaulted. Usually when the nurse is alerted to this, he/she will take you immediately back into a private room so that you are not left out in the waiting room.

5. Ask the nurse to contact the local victim advocate from either a rape crisis center or a domestic violence center. These advocates are specially trained for this. Having a victim advocate with you at the hospital will speed the process up greatly and will also be able to answer any and all questions you may have. These advocates work on your behalf to see to it that you are treated with respect. An advocate will assist you during the medical exam, law enforcement questioning and any court presentations.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, if you become a victim of sexual assault, you are not alone.
• Be honest with the medical staff and law enforcement and try to remember as much as possible.
• Tell someone.

[NakedWriter]

on 12/9/2008 Great article. The Rape Kit collected at the hospital is essential in building a case of sexual assault. Too often the victim's testimony and character is torn apart by the defense if the attacker is known. If the attacker isn't known DNA from fluids and hair can help make a positive identification.

I would also like to add that as embarrassed as you may feel, please report the crime. Too many women don't report because they are ashamed and the attacker is free to assault someone else.
Thanks for the article. NW

[CBeatrix]

on 10/7/2008 It's very important to share this info with more and more women! Great job!

[amylaine]

on 10/6/2008 This is sound advice, thanks for sharing.