If you are a victim of sexual assault…
- Try to get to a place where you feel safe.
- Reach out for support. Call someone
you trust, like a friend or family member. You are not alone;
there are people who can give you the support you need.
- Call the statewide sexual assault crisis hotline – 888-999-5545
/ 888-568-8332 (Español). You will be connected to the
sexual assault crisis center nearest you. A counselor/advocate
is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to listen and
offer support, as well as to provide you with information and
resources to help you best decide what to do next. All services
are free and confidential.
- Seek medical attention as soon as
possible. Medical care is important to address any injuries
you may have and to protect against sexually transmitted diseases
and pregnancy.
- Most importantly, know that the assault is not
your fault.
You have the right to…
- Be treated with respect and dignity.
- Privacy. That means you
can refuse to answer any questions about the sexual assault,
your sexual orientation, your sexual history, your medical history
(including HIV status) and your mental health history.
- Have your
conversations with a sexual assault counselor/advocate remain
confidential.
- Decide whether or not you want to report the assault
to the police.
- Not be judged based on your race, age, class, gender or sexual
orientation.
- Have a sexual assault counselor/advocate accompany
you to medical, law enforcement and legal proceedings.
- Request
that someone you are comfortable with stay with you in the examination room.
- Ask questions
and get answers regarding any tests, exams, medications, treatments
or police reports.
- Be considered a victim/survivor of sexual
assault, regardless of the offender’s relationship to you.
If you are considering filing a police report…
- Try not to bathe, shower, change your clothes, eat, drink, smoke, gargle or urinate prior to the exam.
- Seek medical attention for an exam and evidence collection
as soon as possible after the assault.
- Bring a change of clothes with you.
- You have the right to have
a sexual assault counselor/advocate with you during your medical
exam.
- Reporting to the police is your choice.
As a victim/survivor of sexual assault, you may have some of the
following feelings...
• Anger
• Fear
• Guilt
• Loss of control
• Powerlessness
• Embarrassment
• Depression
• Isolation
• Denial
• Shame
• Disbelief
• Self-blame
• Emotional shock
You may experience some or all of the above feelings. This is natural
and every victim/survivor of
sexual assault responds differently.
Remember, you are not alone and you are not to blame for what happened.
Find a sexual assault crisis program
