These ten suggestions are not in specific order. What you choose to do depends on you and your situation.

GO TO A SAFE PLACE or call someone to help you. It is important that you protect yourself from further assault.

DO NOT STRAIGHTEN OR CLEAN UP THE SCENE of the assault.

DO NOT COVER UP A PHYSICAL INJURY or clean yourself up because pictures of you can be taken and submitted to a jury.

DO NOT BATHE.

DO NOT DOUCHE.

DO NOT CHANGE CLOTHES. Evidence can be gathered at the scene by the police and on your body and clothes by a physician to be used in legal proceedings.

CALL THE NEAREST CRISIS CENTER for help, information and support. Members of the center can go with you to the hospital or police and give you emotional support during the crisis.

NOTIFY THE POLICE OF THE CRIME. There are two methods of reporting:
Press charges against the rapist and give all the information to the police that will lead to the rapist's arrest. File a third party report through your crisis center. All the information can be given to an advocate and submitted to the police. The victim's identity can remain confidential. It is important to have information about the rapist on file with your local law enforcement agency so they will have more knowledge about trends, location, and methods of rape.

GET MEDICAL ATTENTION at the nearest emergency room. They will check for any bodily injury and gather evidence for legal purposes. Be sure to take a change of clothes with you to the hospital.

OBTAIN COUNSELING, long or short term, from a counselor training in dealing with sexual assault victims. One of the most effective healing processes is to talk about the incident. Express all your thoughts, fears, and anxieties to a supportive counselor, advocate or friend.