If you’ve been a recent victim of sexual assault, there are some steps that you should take immediately to ensure that you are safe, that evidence is protected, and that you can move forward with the resources you need.
1. Get to a Safe Place
You can’t recover if you’re stuck in a place where the assault or abuse will continue. Whether it’s a friend’s house, a domestic violence shelter, a hospital, or similar location, get there and tell someone there that you need help.
2. Gather Any Evidence
Though it can feel very intrusive, try to gather evidence of the assault, whether that’s in the form of a rape kit at a hospital, pictures of bruises or other injuries, and similar evidence. If you’re able to, write down as much as you can about the experience without causing yourself undue emotional distress.
3. Treat Any Injuries and Protect Against Disease and Pregnancy
A hospital or medical center can also treat any injuries you received during the assault as well as provide you with medications for possible disease exposure and pregnancy prevention, if you feel comfortable with those kinds of treatments.
4. Talk to Someone You Trust – Find Someone Else if They Don’t Listen!
This is very important, because the sooner that you begin this process, the sooner you can begin to heal. This website isn’t about me, but when my mother wouldn’t listen to what had happened to me, I felt that there was no point in telling anyone else, because we’re often raised to believe that our mothers love us most. Keep reaching out and find someone who will listen to you and support you.
5. Contact Resources to Set Up a Safe Space to Start Recovering
This may involve finding groups that you can discuss your assault with, reaching out to shelters, family or friends where you can stay, contacting family or children’s services, or signing up for government assistance such as food, medical care, or other benefits so that you can focus on your recovery.
6. Start Your Recovery Process
Recovery is a journey, not a simple task, so it will take time. You’ll need to focus on rebuilding your self-esteem, doing self-care to help lift your mood while you’re going through recovery, face some of your new fears, and talk about your trauma with someone you trust.
7. Take Time for Self-Love
Self-love is a vital part of the process, because it’s very easy to fall into mental traps following a traumatic experience. Take time to validate yourself, get the help that you need, and care for yourself as you begin your recovery.
If you’re in a dangerous situation, even if your attacker has told you that nobody will believe you, emergency services are just a phone call away. If you’re concerned about involving law enforcement, you can contact RAINN, the national sexual assault hotline, at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or by texting HOPE to 64673. Remember, recovery is always possible, but it’s up to you to take that first step.