Sexual Abuse or Assault (Rape)

Home Treatment

If you feel threatened or need immediate help:

• Call 911.
• If you have been assaulted:
  • Call the police immediately.
  • Remember the assault (rape) was not your fault.
  • Find a safe environment—anywhere away from the attacker.
  • Preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.
  • Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or HIV. To preserve evidence, ask the hospital to do a special exam (called a forensic medical exam). If you think you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be taken.
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline toll-free (1-800-656-4673) for free, confidential counseling.
• Call the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline toll-free (1-866-331-9474).
• Find local resources that can help in a crisis. Your local rape crisis center or hotline, YMCA, YWCA, police department, mental health clinic, or hospital can help you.
• Be alert to warning signs, such as threats or drunkenness, so that you can avoid a dangerous situation.
• If a child tells you he or she has been sexually abused or assaulted, stay calm. Tell the child that you believe him or her and that you will do your best to keep him or her safe. Report the abuse or assault to the local police or a child protective services agency. For more information, see the topic Child Abuse and Neglect.

If you have been a victim of abuse and continue to have problems related to the abuse, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For more information, see the topic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

If you are concerned that sexual abuse or assault has occurred, use the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine when you need to see your doctor.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 18, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention
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