RAINN - The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual assault organization. RAINN operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline and carries out programs to prevent sexual assault, help victims and ensure that rapists are brought to justice. info@rainn.org • 1.800.656.HOPE http://www.rainn.org/ WHAT TO DO The Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network and local sexual assault advocates offer these suggestions to those who think they have been sexually assaulted: Find a safe environment — anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to 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 and the attacker. Call one of the local or national sexual assault hot lines for immediate support. Get medical attention. Even if there are no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy. To preserve forensic evidence, ask that hospital staff do a rape kit exam. If you suspect you might have been drugged, request a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later by a forensic lab. Report the rape to law enforcement authorities. In most cases, a report can be made to police even if the victim does not want the case referred for prosecution. Reporting a sexual assault may be a way for police to catch a serial rapist. An advocate at Franciscan Skemp or Gundersen Lutheran can help in this 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. In La Crosse, Wisconsin, both hospitals provide free examination, advocacy and counseling to assault victims. Most of all, tell someone you trust. They will help you through what likely will be an overwhelming experience.