Being sexually assaulted can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. However, taking immediate action is essential to ensuring your safety, seeking medical attention, reporting the assault, and finding support.

Sexual assault is a traumatic and violating experience that can leave victims feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and alone. It is important to know what steps to take immediately after being assaulted to ensure your physical and emotional well-being, as well as to increase the chances of bringing the perpetrator to justice.

Take Immediate Action

The moments following a sexual assault can be very disorienting and confusing. It’s important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and well-being.

Find a Safe Place

If you’re in immediate danger, try to get to a safe place as soon as possible. If you’re still with the perpetrator, try to get away from them as quickly and quietly as possible.

Call for Help | Sexually Assaulted

Once you’re in a safe location, call for help. This could mean calling 911 or contacting a sexual assault hotline. They can help you connect with resources and support to ensure your safety and well-being.

Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a sexual assault. This can help ensure your physical safety and well-being, as well as preserve evidence that can be used in a criminal investigation.

Visit the Emergency Room | Sexually Assaulted

Visit the emergency room as soon as possible after the assault. The medical staff there can provide medical treatment and perform a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE).

Report the Assault to Hospital Staff

Make sure to report the assault to the hospital staff. They can provide you with support and resources, as well as document the assault in your medical record.

Get a Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE)

A Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) is a medical exam that can help preserve evidence that may be used in a criminal investigation. It’s important to get SAFE as soon as possible after the assault.

Contact Law Enforcement | Sexually Assaulted

It’s important to contact law enforcement after a sexual assault. They can help investigate the assault and bring the perpetrator to justice.

Call the Police

Call the police as soon as possible after the assault. They can help connect you with resources and support, as well as investigate the assault.

File a Report | Sexually Assaulted

Make sure to file a report with the police. This can help ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions.

Seek Emotional Support

It’s common to experience a range of emotions after a sexual assault, including fear, anger, and shame. It’s important to seek emotional support to help you process these emotions and begin to heal.

Talk to a Trusted Friend or Family Member

Talking to a trusted friend or family member can help provide emotional support and a safe space to process your feelings.

Consider Counseling or Therapy

Consider seeing a counselor or therapist who specializes in sexual assault trauma. They can provide you with additional support and resources to help you heal.

Join a Support Group | Sexually Assaulted

Consider joining a support group for survivors in case you’re sexually assaulted. This might help you in getting the emotional support you need at such a testing time.

Consider Legal Action

In addition to contacting law enforcement, you may also want to consider taking legal action against the perpetrator.

Consult with an Attorney

Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in sexual assault cases. They can help you understand your legal rights and options, as well as guide you through the legal process.

File a Civil Lawsuit | Sexually Assaulted

You may also want to consider filing a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator. This can help you seek justice and compensation for the harm that was done to you.

Take Care of Yourself | Sexually Assaulted

It’s important to take care of yourself after a sexual assault. Here are some things you can do to help promote your physical and emotional well-being.

Practice Self-Care

Take time to engage in self-care activities that help promote your physical and emotional well-being. This could include things like taking a warm bath, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness meditation.

Attend to Your Physical Health

Make sure to attend to your physical health by getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Give Yourself Time to Heal

Remember that healing takes time, and it’s okay to take things at your own pace. Give yourself permission to take the time you need to heal.

Conclusion

Sexual assault is a traumatic experience that can leave victims feeling overwhelmed and alone. It’s important to take immediate action to ensure your safety and well-being, seek medical attention, contact law enforcement, seek emotional support, consider legal action, and take care of yourself.

Being sexually assaulted is a terrific experience, but taking immediate action can help you regain a sense of control and find the support you need to heal. Remember that healing takes time, and it’s okay to take things at your own pace.

Remember, you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this difficult time. If you’re not sure where to turn, consider reaching out to a local sexual assault crisis center or hotline for guidance and support. By taking care of yourself and seeking help, you can start to recover and move forward from this experience.

FAQs | Sexually Assaulted