IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN RAPED,
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

IF YOU HAVE BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED, YOU NEED TO KNOW IT WAS NOT YOUR FAULT. SEXUAL ASSAULT IS A CRIME. IT IS NOT ABOUT SEX, BUT RATHER ABOUT POWER AND CONTROL.

• GO TO A SAFE PLACE!

• DO NOT EAT, DRINK, BATH, DOUCHE, GO TO THE BATHROOM. BRUSH YOUR TEETH OR CHANGE YOUR CLOTHES (THIS MAY DESTROY EVIDENCE THAT MAY BE PRESENT).

• CALL THE POLICE

• GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR AN EXAMINATION

• CALL A RAPE CRISIS HOTLINE: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) (Confidential)

• CHECK YOUR LOCAL AREA OR YOUR CHECK WITH YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT OR AREA HOSPITAL, OR VICTIM ASSISTANCE OFFICE  FOR A RAPE CRISIS PHONE NUMBER OR CENTER.

• CALL A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER YOU TRUST

WHEN YOU GET TO THE HOSPITAL THE FOLLOWING SHOULD HAPPEN.

1. THEY WILL CALL A RAPE CRISIS SUPPORT PERSON TO BE PRESENT DURING THE EXAM.

2. THEY WILL EXAMINE YOU.

3. THEY WILL COLLECT ANY EVIDENCE FOUND.

4. THEY WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH FOLLOW-UP INFORMATION.

5. YOUR CLOTHING MAY BE KEPT AS EVIDENCE.

6. CLOTHING WILL BE PROVIDED FOR YOU TO WEAR, OR IF YOU CAN, TAKE EXTRA CLOTHING WITH YOU TO CHANGE INTO.

THE HOSPITAL SHOULD:

1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE IN A SAFE PLACE.

2. DETERMINE ANY INJURIES THAT NEED IMMEDIATE TREATMENT

3. PROVIDE INFORMATION REGARDING SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE AND PREGNANCY

4. PROVIDE OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU SO YOU CAN MAKE INFORMED DECISIONS.

5. PROVIDE NECESSARY MEDICATION.