Alliance: If You Have Been Raped
If You Have Been Raped
If you have been sexually assaulted recentlyIf you do not have visible physical injuries from the assault, friends and family may think you are okay. Many people do not understand the extent of trauma endured by rape and sexual assault victims. There may also be physical injuries that you can’t see. The following are some suggestions of how to get the practical and emotional support you need:
- Get to a safe place (for example, the nearest hospital, police precinct, or someone’s home).
- You can call 911 for immediate police protection and assistance. You can also call one of a number of [1] hotlines to discuss your options for reporting the assault.
- Go to your local hospital emergency room for immediate medical care to check for injury, prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, get counseling and collect evidence. Evidence collection does not require you to place a report with the police or press charges; it just preserves these options for the future. To find a local rape crisis center, [2] click here. For the purposes of evidence collection, we suggest that you avoid showering, combing your hair or changing your clothes before going to the hospital. New York State has a crime victim compensation program that can assist you with ongoing medical and counseling expenses and other expenses related to the assault. Your local rape crisis program can provide more information about this process and your rights as a crime victim.
- Tell someone you trust who can support and assist you.
- Call the nearest rape crisis program for crisis intervention, hospital accompaniment, counseling, courtroom advocacy, support groups for you or your partner, information and referral. Or call the Safe Horizon 24 hour hotline at 212-227-3000.
If you have been raped or sexually assaulted in the past...
Sexual assault, no matter when it happens can change your life. It can change your view of yourself and others. You may experience changes in your eating and sleeping patterns. You may have nightmares or flashbacks about the assault or rape. Certain sounds, smells, or other sensory experiences may trigger these feelings and fears. You may be afraid of being alone, or you may fear being in crowds. You also may fear that the offender may have infected you with a sexually transmitted disease, such as HIV/AIDS, or that you may become pregnant.
Maybe you were abused by someone you knew (a boss, family member, spouse, friend). Maybe you were assaulted by a stranger. As time passes, you may have a variety of feelings, thoughts, and reactions to what has happened--most rape and sexual assault victims do. Whatever the circumstances, whatever your reactions or fears may be, support and help are available for you. Local rape crisis or sexual assault program staff will assist you, regardless of whether you decide to report the assault to the police.
- Find someone to talk to -- someone who can listen.
- [3] Call a rape crisis program. We can help.
- [4] Browse all our other resources.
[1]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/survivors_hotline.html
[2]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/resource_list_Hospital.html
[3]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/resources.html
[4]: http://www.nycagainstrape.org/resources.html
Copyright © 2000-2007 by The New York City Alliance Against Sexual Assault