If You Are Raped

• DO get to a safe place away from your attacker.
• DO ask for help from the first friendly person you meet.
• DO Call the police. Use the emergency number. Give your location and tell them you were raped.
• DO write down as many facts as you can remember about your attacker: clothes, height, weight, age, skin color or scars. Try to remember details about his car, voice, which way he went.
• DON’T Wash or douche before the medical exam— this can destroy important evidence.
• DON’T change your cloths. Bring a clean set of clothes to the hospital with you if you can.
• DO see a doctor as soon as possible, even if you do not want to report the rape to the police. Make sure you are checked for pregnancy and sexually-transmitted diseases.
• DO show the doctor any bruises or scratches that occurred during the attack. The doctor will give you a complete exam, including a pelvic exam.
• DO tell the police exactly what happened. Try not to get flustered. Be honest and stick to your story.
• DO have a friend or relative accompany you to the doctor or hospital for emotional support.
• DO call a 24-hour hotline if you need help or have questions. Look under “ Rape Crises Center” in your telephone directory.
• DO get counseling to help deal with the emotional trauma cause by rape.
• DON’T feel guilty, don’t isolate yourself, and don’t try to ignore it. Rape is a crime that should be reported.

Remember: Reporting a rape to the police is NOT the same as pressing charges against an accused rapist.