What to Do If You've Been Sexually Assaulted

• Your immediate safety is first. Try to go to a safe place.
• Reach out for support. If on campus, contact The Women's Center or a designated counselor in the Student Services Office.
• Call your local rape crisis center (Response 757. 622-4300) for free, confidential support whether or not you want to press charges.
• Call someone you trust, like a friend or a member of your family.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible. Response Seuxal Assault Support Services can assist you with finding options. Medical care is important, in case you are injured and to protect against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.

Sexual Assault is Not Your Fault

You have the right to...

• Be treated with respect, dignity and courtesy.
• File a police report and receive services, no matter what your relationship is to the assailant.
• Not be judged because of your race, age, class, gender, sexual orientation or occupation.
• Have a sexual assault counselor come with you to medical, law enforcement and legal proceedings.
• Privacy when meeting with a counselor or a police officer.
• Understand any forms you are asked to sign.
• Ask questions and get answers about any tests, exams, medications, treatments or police reports.
• Be told of any necessary follow-up care and testing.
• Voice complaints and expect to have them heard and accepted.

If you want to file a police report

It is recommended that you not shower or change clothes before going to the exam. If forced oral sex occurred, try not to drink, smoke, rinse your mouth out or gargle, or eat. Even if you have already done any of these things, there may still be the chance to get evidence for your case. This should not stop you if you want to file a police report.

You may call a friend, family member or the police to take you to the emergency room. You may want to call your local rape crisis center to ask about how assaults are handled in your area. Bring a change of clothing.

The medical exam is an important part of the evidence collection needed to file a police report. It is important to have the exam as soon as possible, and within 120 hours (five days) of the assault.

You have the right to have an advocate come with you to any medical care and police or legal proceedings.

If you file a police report you can write down the officer's badge number and the case number.

Reporting to the police is your choice. If you decide not to go to the police right away, write down everything you remember about what happened and save it in case you change your mind.

Reactions to Sexual Assault

As a survivor of sexual assault you may find yourself having some of the following feelings:

• Anger
• Fear
• Embarrassment
• Powerlessness
• Depression
• Self-blame and doubt
• Isolation
• Anxiety
• Denial
• Shame
• Suicidal thoughts 

These feelings are natural.

Remember:

You are not to blame for what happened. You are alive, you are a survivor and now is the time to begin the process of recovery. Reaching out for support is part of the healing process. Call Response (757.622-4300) to begin the healing process.

(Information adapted from CALCASA [www.calcasa.org].)