What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
- Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the
attacker. Ask a trusted friend stay with you for moral
support.
- Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush
your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall
about the attack & the attacker.
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by
RAINN, for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day:
1-800-656-HOPE.
- Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries,
it is important to determine the risks of STDs and
pregnancy.
- To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to
conduct a rape kit exam.
- If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a
urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be
analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
- Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. A
counselor can provide the information you'll need
understand the process.
- Remember it wasn't your fault.
- Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give
yourself the time you need.
- Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the
attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault
Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they
need help until months or years later.
How can I help a friend who has
been sexually assaulted?
- Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental.
- Encourage your friend to seriously consider reporting
the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can
provide the information your friend will need to make this
decision.
- Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend some
time to deal with the crime.
- Let your friend know that professional help is
available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Encourage him or her to call the hotline, but realize that
only your friend can make the decision to get
help.
What can I do to reduce my risk
of sexual assault?
- Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink
from an open container.
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends.
Arrive together, watch out for each other, and leave
together.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you
don't know or trust.
- Think about the level of intimacy you want in a
relationship, and clearly state your limits.
How can I protect my child from
sexual abuse?
- Communicate, communicate, communicate.
- Speak to your children using the proper names for
their body parts. Armed with information, children are
better able to report abuse to you.
- Teach your children about safe and unsafe touches, as
well as what is appropriate physical affection.
- Let your children know that respect for elders doesn't
extend to an adult that has made your child uncomfortable.
It's OK to say no and it's OK to leave the situation.
- Trust your own instincts. If your instincts tell you
something is wrong, follow-up.
- For information about Internet safety, download A
Parent's Guide to Internet Safety from the FBI. The
materials are available in English & Spanish.
Related links at Feminist.com:
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is
the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. With
a national perspective and broad reach, RAINN is a trusted
resource for media, policymakers and the public.
Additionally, RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault
Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE. Comprised of more than 1,000
local affiliates, the hotline has helped more than half a
million victims of sexual assault since 1994. For more
information, please visit the RAINN website at www.rainn.org
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