Steps to Take After You've Been Sexually Assaulted
Written By: Zoe Waters | September 26, 2018
Surviving an assault can take a lot out of you. You might not know how to react, what to do, or how to act. Here is a helpful list of things that you can do after an assault. This information can also be used to provide to someone else who has experienced an assault and may not know what to do.
1. DON’T TAKE A SHOWER
For most survivors, the very first thing you want to do is take a long shower. Although that might be a good idea at the time, showering can rid of evidence on the body that could be collected at the hospital.
2. SAVE YOUR CLOTHING
Another immediate response might be to throw away or even burn the clothes you were wearing. If you have time between the assault and going to the hospital to change clothing, make sure to place your clothing in a bag and take it to the hospital for examination.
3. GET TO THE HOSPITAL WITHIN 72 HOURS
There are a few things that will happen at the hospital. First, care will be administered to any areas that need help immediately. After that, paperwork may have to be completed, and a sexual assault examination kit may be done, and you may be able to report to police, and (hopefully) meet with an sexual assault advocate. You may even be provided with STD/STI medication, the morning after pill, or other medication. If you’re worried about costs of a medical visit, most states have programs that will cover the costs.
A sexual assault examination collects the following information:
Information of the person who caused harm and the survivor
Fingernail scrapings
Vaginal/penile swabs
Cheek swabs
Buccal swabs
A comb for hair
Bags for collecting clothing, especially underwear
Other swabs for things not listed (i.e. saliva that might be left over on a survivor's neck from the assault)