Violence/Abuse

After the attack – what to do

• Report rape or any sexual assault to the police or rape crisis center. The quicker you report this, the more likely the attacker will be caught.
• Your body and the area where the attack occurred are a crime scene. Preserve all physical evidence. Don't shower, bathe, change clothes, douche, or throw any clothing away unless advised by the police or rape counselor.
• Go to a hospital emergency room for medical care immediately. Bring a change of clothing, as the clothes you were wearing during the attack may be kept for evidence.
• Don't go alone if you can help it. Ask a friend or family member to go with you or call a rape crisis center or school counselor.
• Get counseling to help deal with feelings of anger, helplessness, fear, and shame caused by rape. It helps to talk to someone about the rape, whether the attack was last night, last week, or years ago.
• Do not accept blame for being an innocent victim.
• For referral to local resources, call the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN). www.rainn.org; toll-free 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). This non-profit organization provides the only national toll-free hotline for victims of sexual assault. The hotline provides referrals 24 hours a day. It does not provide direct counseling. Every call is confidential and no records of individual callers are saved.