CU CARES

Sexual Violence

What to do if you’ve recently been sexually assaulted

Go to a safe place.
Call someone you trust for emotional support.
Call 911.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor or nurse can check for injuries that may not be visible. Hospital staff can also treat you for possible Sexually transmitted infections and provide medications to prevent pregnancy if desired (Emergency Contraception). Hospital staff may also perform a rape exam to collect evidence.
Do not shower, urinate, defecate, douche, drink, eat, smoke, comb your hair, or change your clothes before going to the emergency room. However, if you have already done any or all of these things, please do not let this stop you from seeking medical care. If you have already changed clothes, place the clothes you were wearing during the assault in a paper bag and take them to the hospital with you.
If you believe you were given a date rape drug, be sure to tell the emergency room personnel your symptoms and that you believe you were given a date rape drug so they can take the necessary samples.
Seek counseling services.

Go to a safe place.
Call someone you trust for emotional support.
Call 911.
Seek medical attention. Services are available at the Women’s Clinic at Redfern Health Center or community health care provider who will address possible pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Seek counseling services.

Listen without judging
Let them know the assault (s) was not their fault
Reassure the victim/survivor that he or she is cared for and loved
Encourage the sexual assault victim to seek medical attention
Encourage the victim/survivor to talk to someone about the assault (s) with an advocate, mental health professional or someone they trust
Let them know they do not have to manage this crisis alone