| After Rape... what do you do next? |
| The trauma of a rape is uncomprehensible to anyone except the victim. Still there are a few things that you should do if you have been raped... 1. Call the police (just because you call them, does NOT mean you have to press charges!)- When i was raped the local police department sent over two wonderful officers, who to this day i still love and think that they are the most unbelievable men in this world. 2. DO NOT shower, douche, change your cloths, or anything else. I know this is your first inclination to wash the filth off, but it is important that all forensic evidence that has been left behind can be collected. Though you might not want to press charges now, in the future you may. 3. Go to the hospital, or other medical offices. You can decide if you want a rape kit performed (again, to collect forensic evidence), but its more important that a licenced doctor is able to check you for injuries and anything that could have been transmitted in the assault. You can have a friend, rape councelor, family member, be present during this exam. 4. Take care of yourself. Get psychological help. Its ok to be angry, scared, hurt, every emotion that is in the book. It takes a long time to work through all the things that you are about to face. Somethings will never go back to normal. don't go through it alone! |
| Hotline Numbers Please remember that most telephone books will list a local crisis center. This center will have councelors available and pager services to have someone acompany you to the hospital. RAINN (Rape Abuse and Insest National Network)- 24 Hours a day/7 days a week- 1-800-656-HOPE **to find a local provider, try this site |