Cope With Sexual Assault
Template:AttentionHow to find emergency and crisis services when reporting a rape or sexual assault. Many people do not know how RAINN operates or how to find a local crisis center, where the best emergency room is or how to find a victim's advocate. Please add any US or International directories or rape crisis center resources to the external links area or add them to the steps area.
Steps
- The first thing you can do after being assaulted is find a crisis counselor. There are local hotlines near your area, and you can call emergency services if you're in danger.
- For a list of hotline directories see: http://www.ibiblio.org/rcip//rapecrisiscenters.html RCIP
- Another directory can be found at Pandys resources
- After you have contacted a crisis center please read advice from RAINN on what to do immediately after being assaulted which includes: Write down all the details you can recall, find a safe environment and preserve evidence of the attack (don't brush your teeth or shower).
- The next step would be to seek medical attention and have a rape kit done. It is important to make sure there is not a pregnancy (emergency contraception prevents this) or an STD. Urine samples determine whether there is a date rape drug in your system. The sooner you have these tests done the better. You can find local rape crisis medical services at medline, in a search engine or in the phone book.
- After seeking medical care you should think about reporting the crime to the authorities. If you choose to file a report with the police it is important that you have a victim's advocate. You can find victim's advocates at your local rape crisis center or at Rape Crisis Victim Assistance. For immediate victim assistance call 1 800-879-6682. Studies have found that victims who had advocates with them during the police interview had a better overall experience. The advocate can also walk you through the entire legal process.
- Consider doing some research into the effects of rape and coping skills for dealing with rape trauma syndrome.
Tips
- If you are feeling suicidal please call 1.800.SUICIDE (784.2433)
- RAINN actually forwards you to a local crisis hotline. If you call RAINN you will be speaking to a local crisis center.
- Remember that the rape survivor community includes all types of people including men, LGBTQ, diverse cultures and the disabled. You are not alone.
- Because you are usually the only witness, it is hard for a charge to be pressed if you wish not to. Therefore, it is your decision whether or not to attempt to have charges pressed.
Warnings
- Beware of victim blame, rape myths and secondary victimization.
- Do not bathe or change your clothes. Evidence of the assault must remain intact.
- There is nothing you don't have to fight for when it comes to victim advocacy.
Related Articles
- Heal From Rape and Sexual Assault (Rape Trauma Syndrome)
- Cope With Rape Related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Call Emergency Services
Sources and Citations
- International Directories - links and hotlines.
- Rape Crisis Directory 1 800-656-HOPE
- UK 0808 802 9999 RASASC
- UNITED STATES LINKS- crisis centers in the US- add the link and hotline under the name of the state.
- Alabama
- Alabama Coalition Against DV 1-800-650-6522
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Other national resources
- [1] "Coping with Sexual Assault: A guide to healing, resolution and recovery" in English, Spanish, Large Print, Braille with special editions for teens, college students, military victims, veterans and professionals working with victims.
- DV (800)269-4668
- California
