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What should I do if I am sexually assaulted?
- Find a safe environment - anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend stay with you for moral support.
- Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth. Write down all the details you can recall about the attack & the attacker.
- Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day: 1-800-656-HOPE.
- Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.
- To preserve forensic evidence, ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam.
- If you suspect you may have been drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
- Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. A counselor can provide the information you'll need understand the process.
- Remember it wasn't your fault.
- Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
- Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.
How can I help a friend who has been sexually
assaulted?
- Listen. Be there. Don't be judgmental.
- Encourage your friend to seriously consider reporting the rape to law enforcement authorities. A
counselor can provide the information your friend will need to make this decision.
- Be patient. Remember, it will take your friend some time
to deal with the crime.
- Let your friend know that professional help is available
through the National Sexual Assault Hotline.
Encourage him or her to call the hotline, but
realize that only your friend can make the decision to get help.
What can I do to reduce my risk of sexual assault?
- Don't leave your beverage unattended or accept a drink from
an open container.
- When you go to a party, go with a group of friends. Arrive
together, watch out for each other, and leave together.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Don't allow yourself to be isolated with someone you don't
know or trust.
- Think about the level of intimacy you want in a relationship,
and clearly state your limits.
How can I protect my child from sexual abuse?
- Communicate, communicate, communicate.
- Speak to your children using the proper names for their body parts. Armed with information, children are better able to report abuse to you.
- Teach your children about safe and unsafe touches, as well as what is appropriate physical affection.
- Let your children know that respect for elders doesn't extend to an adult that has made your child uncomfortable. It's OK to say no and it's OK to leave the situation.
- Trust your own instincts. If your instincts tell you something is wrong, follow-up.
- For information about Internet safety, download A Parent's Guide to Internet Safety from the FBI. The materials are available in English & Spanish.
Related links at Feminist.com:
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest
anti-sexual assault organization. With a national perspective and broad
reach, RAINN is a trusted resource for media, policymakers and the public.
Additionally, RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline at
1.800.656.HOPE. Comprised of more than 1,000 local affiliates, the hotline
has helped more than half a million victims of sexual assault since 1994.
For more information, please visit the RAINN website at www.rainn.org
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