What to do if Sexually Assaulted

• Get away from the attacker to a safe place as fast as you can.

• Call a friend or family member you trust. You also can call a crisis center or a hotline to talk with a counselor. One national hotline is the National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-SAFE or 1-800-787-3224 (TDD). Do not feel ashamed or guilty. These feelings, as well as being afraid and shocked, are normal. It is important to get counseling from a trusted professional.

• Do not wash, comb, or clean any part of your body, or change clothes if possible. Do not touch or change anything at the scene of the assault; it is a crime scene.

• Then, go to your nearest hospital emergency room as soon as possible. You need to be examined, treated for any injuries, and screened for possible sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. The doctor will collect evidence that the attacker may have left behind, like clothing fibers, hairs, saliva, or semen. A standard "rape kit" is usually used to help collect these things.

• You, or the hospital staff can call the police from the emergency room to file a report.