Do not resist
unless you are sure you have a good chance of overcoming the attacker and getting to
safety. If the attacker is armed and/or you cannot get to safety, quickly concentrate on
surviving. Try to note and remember anything which will help identify your attacker,
including any marks you made in resisting.
Get to a safe
place immediately, noting landmarks so you can direct police back to the scene of the
crime.
Get someone
you can trust to stay with you until the police arrive.
If you were
attacked in your home, do not stay there alone. Go to someone you trust or have them come
to you.
Do NOT
wash, douche, shower or bathe and avoid going to the toilet and wiping yourself. Do NOT
remove dirt, blood, or semen unless essential to clean wounds or stop bleeding. If your
clothes are torn or dirty, put on a robe or loose garment over clothing but do NOT
remove.
Call the
police emergency hotline. The sooner your report is made and the attacker described, the
swifter will be the collection of evidence and more likelihood of a quick arrest. If you
have to wait to make the report, write down everything you can remember in the meantime.
If you do not
want to report the crime immediately, write down all the details in case you change your
mind. It is still important that you go to a hospital, clinic, or see a doctor. Your
injuries must be determined and a record made. You need tests arranged for sexually
transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
If you are
under 16, call your legal guardian/parent or a close relative.
Call the rape
crisis center for confidential counseling and referrals.
Do not feel ashamed or
guilty. Someone attacked you. You did not want to be violated. You feel hurt and angry but
you have survived. There are caring individuals, sympathetic professionals and special
agencies to help you. You are not alone.