What to Do if You've Just
Been Raped
(1) Try to go to a safe
place.
(2) If possible, call a trusted
person for support. A rape crisis counselor can be a valuable
resource.
(3) It is important to get
medical attention as soon as possible -- physical injury, sexually transmitted
diseases and pregnancy are all possible results of rape.
(4) You may choose to have a "rape kit" examination performed in
case you choose to pursue legal prosecution of your attacker.
(5) Do not wash, comb or clean any part of your body.
Do not change clothes if possible. Do not touch or change anything at the scene
of the assault. This ensures evidence preservation in case of future criminal
prosecution.
What to expect from a "rape kit"
examination:
- Your body will be examined for injuries, and any
injuries will be treated.
- Women will be given a pelvic exam and men will be
given a general examination of their genital and anal regions to check for
injuries and collect fluids
- The "rape kit" is used during the exam to collect
specific physical evidence.
- You will be tested for sexually transmitted
diseases (STDs). These tests determine if you had any STDs before the rape. To
determine if you contracted an STD from the rape, you should have a gonorrhea
and chlamydia test two weeks after the rape. Many people are also given
medication after the rape to treat any STDs which may have been
contracted.
- You should get all information you need to know for
follow-up procedures for the AIDs virus and other STDs.
- The entire procedure may take up to four
hours.
- Your medical records are confidential; no
information will be released without your permission.
And remember...
Many women -- at least 1 in 8 -- experience a rape in their
lifetime. If this has happened to you, we encourage you to be gentle with
yourself. You didn't deserve to be raped. You didn't do anything wrong to bring
on a rape. You didn't choose to be raped. You are not responsible -- the rapist
is. You did the best you could and you did well -- after all, you're here to
read this.
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