What to Do If You Have Been Raped…

Get medical attention as soon as possible. Even though you may not appear to be physically injured, there may be injuries that are not visible as well as the threat of an unwanted pregnancy and/or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most emergency rooms (ER’s) and treatment centers provide treatment for rape survivors 24 hours a day. Some ER’s and treatment centers have staff that is specifically trained in the proper forensic procedures of a rape exam. Most states have a victim’s of violent crime compensation fund which will pay for your medical attention. Do not change your clothes, bathe, use the restroom, drink, eat or douche before you go for medical treatment. If the ER or treatment center does not offer to call a sexual assault victim’s advocate for you, please request that they do so immediately.

The following timelines are followed by the medical and legal profession in the collection of forensic evidence in sexual assaults.

Adolescent/Adult Examinations (age 14 and above):

• If the assault has occurred within the past 96 hours, go to the hospital and request a rape kit be done.
• If the assault has occurred beyond 96 hours, the client should be referred to their private physician or clinic for STD testing. (If this is a chronic abuse case ages 14-18, follow pediatric guidelines.)

Pediatric Examinations:

A child should be seen IMMEDIATELY if any one of the following has happened:

• Oral or anal assault within the past 24 hours;
• Vaginal assault within past 72 hours prepubertal or 96 hours postpubertal; or
• Medical sexual assault injury requiring immediate medical attention.

A child should be seen URGENTLY (within 48 hours) if the following has happened:

• Recent onset of medical symptoms (light bleeding, bruising, vaginal discharge or itching, pain on urination).

A child should be seen at a regularly scheduled appointment if either of the following has happened:

• No medical complaints; or
• Alleged molest occurred beyond the time frames noted.

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) are experts in sexual assault forensic exams and treating victims with dignity and respect. Please request an S.A.N.E. nurse and a sexual assault advocate if you have been sexually abused. These women will be a tremendous help to you.

For additional information please see:

http://www.stopvaw.org/sexual_Assault_Nurse_Examiners_SANE.html

Please visit www.healing4women.com for valuable assistance in healing from childhood sexual abuse.