Rape Survivors 10-Step Guide.Updated: 2024-11-06
- Get to safety. Your first step is to get yourself to a safe place. Get assistance if you can from trustworthy persons near you. Touch 112 or 911 to call first responders before doing *anything* & that includes going to the washroom--call 112 or 911 -- you don't have to speak to police but you need medical help. Your smartphone provider redirects 112 to the local emergency number.
- Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Calm yourself. Go to a safe place if you are able. Somebody is here for you: ®Signal or Text (+1)6477399279
- Preserve all physical evidence of the rape. Do not shower, bathe, douche, eat, drink, wash your hands, or brush your teeth until you have had a medical examination. Save all clothing you wore at the time of the rape.
- Unless police did this rape, you or a helper should preserve the rape crime scene if you can, placing clothing items in separate paper bags. Don't use plastic bags. Do not disturb anything in the area where the sexual assault (rape) crime occurred.
- Get medical care as soon as possible. Go to a hospital emergency room or a specialized rape clinic providing care for rape survivors. You may believe you have no physical injuries, but you should have a medical examination and discuss the exposure risk to sexually transmitted infections and the possibility of pregnancy resulting from the rape. Having a medical exam can also preserve forensic evidence identifying the rapist.
- If you suspect that you may have been given a "rape drug," ask the hospital or clinic where you receive medical care to take a urine sample. Drugs, such as intermediate acting benzodiazepines & GHB, are more likely to be detected in urine than in blood.
- As soon as you are able write down what you can remember about the circumstances of the rape or sexual assault, including a description of the rapist or assailant.
- Following the trauma of a rape or sexual assault your head is swimming with a lot of choices & decisions to make - e.g.: about getting medical care, talking to police & telling friends or family. Call the HelpLine.
- Visit your app provider on your mobile phone to install ®Signal Fast & Free. Call as often as you wish.
- Engage a rape crisis counselor. Counseling helps you learn to cope with emotional & physical impacts of sexual assault.
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