If You Have Been Raped

1. Get to a safe place as quickly as possible. Know that you did nothing wrong. You are not to blame!

2. Consider getting medical attention for injuries and for the treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and pregnancy.

3. Don't shower, brush your teeth or change clothes. During a medical examination, in addition to providing treatment, medical staff can collect evidence from your body and clothes. I know that the only thing you can think about is washing away "whatever" is left on your body, but all of these things will destroy the evidence.

4. You can receive medical care even if you decide not to press charges against the attacker. If you want, you can make a report without giving your name (This is called a blind report).

5. Contact Rainn (1-800-656-HOPE) and/or a Rape Crisis Center. Rape Crisis Companions, specially trained volunteers and staff who answer the Center 24-hour crisis/response line, provide emotional support to sexual violence survivors. They can provide you with information that may help you decide what your options are and advocate for you if you choose to seek medical attention or file charges.