7 Immediate Actions to Take After a Rape
As global rates of sexual violence continue to increase, chances are that each of us will come in contact with [more] people who have been victimized by a sex crime, specifically rape. Some of us may have a close relationship with someone who will be victimized.
When we become aware, we can offer support and words of encouragement. However, existing survivors know that words aren't enough to ease the pain or help manage personal care.
We know that beginning to put yourself back together is a big feat that requires a tremendous amount of effort. And, the foundation of that effort comes from medical intervention to help prevent unwanted pregnancy or transmission of infection or disease. Removing these types of obstacles may help sexual assault victims better transition into survivorship and have more successful long-term journeys.
There currently isn’t much, if any, conversation about what a victim can do to get care after the rape. So, the GOTU team has compiled a sequential list of steps that a newly victimized person can take to better ensure healthier post-rape (or exposure to bodily fluid or waste) care.
1. Seek medical attention at an Emergency room
Don’t take a shower. Don’t change clothes. Immediately get to an Emergency room. A Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will complete a thorough exam and collect evidence (blood, urine, and possibly a stool sample) that can be used in a police investigation.
WARNING: Evidence may include pictures of your naked body, including genitals. You have the right to opt out of all or some of the photos being taken.
NOTE: Getting medical attention doesn’t require an immediate notification to the police. All evidence can be held (per state statute of limitations) until the victimized person is ready to make an official police report. The SANE will take and preserve the evidence until the police are involved.
2. File an official report to the police
Notifying authorities allows them to conduct a thorough investigation of the alleged crime and review the available evidence. It also allows them to investigate the person(s) who committed the crime. The sooner the crime is reported and the fresher the evidence, the more thorough the investigation.
Understand that this choice belongs to the victimized person. Going to the police can be scary and may increase the level of danger for some victimized persons. Rapists are dangerous and they may inflict more harm if they are exposed. It is important to take necessary precautions (e.g. request an order of protection).
3. Request a support advocate
Authorities have relationships with sexual assault advocacy groups and can connect new sexual assault victims with a trained advocate who can help provide support and access to resources. In many instances, time with an advocate is free of charge.
NOTE: It’s okay to request a new advocate if the one assigned isn’t meet your needs.
4. Schedule an appointment with your doctors for 30 days after the visit to the Emergency room (primary care, OBGYN/proctologist, etc.)
Follow-up testing and treatment for change in vital signs, unwanted pregnancy, and/or transmission of infection or disease is necessary. It also allows for two things:
a newly victimized person to notify their doctors that they’re a rape survivor so they can receive a different level of care and consideration during that and future visits
identification of changes in overall health caused by the trauma; changes may go back to “normal” function or levels over time without the need for medical intervention (e.g. blood pressure)
5. Take time off of work or school, if possible
The negative impact on the brain after surviving rape or any other sexual violation is immediate. Time is needed to process what has happened and manage the shock. Easing the mental, emotional, and physical labor associated with work and/or school obligations may better help make the initial days after sexual assault more manageable.
6. Seek mental health support
Mental health care from a resource well-informed on trauma, specifically sexual trauma, helps a victimized person to understand the changes that happen to the body and the way that the world may be perceived: panic and anxiety attacks, relationship to the body, self-harm, eating disorders, mood changes, brain fog, fatigue, physical pains, fear of people, not wanting to be touched, etc. Being equipped with this information helps a person have more control of their survivorship journey and better navigate hardships. Access to mental health services can be difficult for various reasons. Victimized persons need to know that options are now available for free or low-cost. Several options are available (e.g. video chat) so a newly traumatized person may not have to leave home to receive care.
7. Disclose when you’re ready
Living through a rape is difficult. The feelings and physical aftermath can be overwhelming to manage alone. Survival can be healthier when we have a support network to help us understand and share our emotions while accepting a new reality. Trusted people don’t have to necessarily be current friends and family. They can be new people that we meet through support groups, the appointed advocate, and authorities assigned to the investigation. It’s your choice to disclose, how much to disclose, and when to disclose.
Readily available information on what to do immediately after suffering rape doesn't really exist. As a result, victimized persons don't receive much-needed care or justice. This lack can worsen the trauma and the survivorship journey.
We're on a mission to make changes when it comes to victimization due to sex crimes. AT GOTU, we believe that information is power. Your knowledge of what to do after victimization can help save someone's health and life.
Keep this list handy. Proactively share and talk about it with people you know. And, if you or someone you know becomes victimized, follow these steps.