5 Steps to Consider Taking If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted

If you’ve been sexually assaulted, it’s normal to feel afraid, uncertain, or numb. Many people become overwhelmed or confused about what happened, especially in the hours and days following the event. It can be difficult to know what to do next. 

Whether you were just assaulted or it happened months or years ago, here are things you can do to take care of yourself and find support. 

What to do if you are sexually assaulted

You don’t have to deal with a sexual assault alone. These steps can help you make decisions about what to do next.

1. Find safety and support

The most important step after a sexual assault is to find physical and emotional safety. Whenever you're able to do so, contact a trusted friend, local authorities, or an advocacy center for people who have experienced assault. 

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is staffed by experienced experts and volunteers, and they can connect you to a local support center. Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), or visit RAINN to learn more or chat online. 

2. Consider talking to authorities

Not everyone chooses to talk to legal authorities after an assault, and it is your choice to do so or not. Local advocacy centers can often help you file a report. You can also call the police by dialing 911. 

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It can be stressful to talk to authorities. The response to sexual assault reports has improved in some police departments. But it sometimes happens that victims are not believed, or that their experiences are minimized by police. 

It can also be difficult for authorities to prove assault allegations in court, so accused perpetrators often are not prosecuted. And even in the cases that do move forward, the perpetrator may not be convicted.

Still, reporting the incident may help you feel like you have more control of the situation. For some people, reporting is an important step in the recovery process. Some people also find that their local law enforcement officers are well-trained in offering support and handling sexual violence allegations, regardless of the legal outcome. Some law enforcement professionals connect victims with advocates and other helpful resources.

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether to report an assault. It can be overwhelming to make decisions alone, especially right after an attack. So it may be helpful to talk to sexual assault advocates who have experience with local courts and law enforcement.

3. Consider a sexual assault forensic exam

You have the option to get a sexual assault forensic exam. This is sometimes referred to as a “rape kit.” During the exam, a medical provider will talk to you about what happened. They may collect your clothes, take swabs to collect bodily fluids, and examine your body for evidence of the assault.

The purpose of the exam is to collect evidence that can be used in case of later legal or criminal action. DNA evidence in particular may help support your case. So if you do decide to move forward with reporting the incident, officials may have a better chance of convicting a perpetrator if you get a forensic exam.

While there isn’t a specific time frame to get a forensic exam, DNA needs to be collected within 72 hours of your assault. Sexual assault forensic exams are also required to be free to victims under federal law. The Violence Against Women Act mandates that you cannot be charged for a forensic exam.

Completing an exam is not the same as reporting the assault to police. If you’re an adult, you can get an exam whether or not you also decide to report the incident. If you are a minor, however, healthcare providers are required to report the assault to authorities. 

In some cases, sexual assault forensic exams may be intrusive and uncomfortable. Healthcare providers may collect evidence from all parts of your body, including private areas. Because of this, you may wish to weigh the pros and cons of participating in an exam. 

Like deciding whether to report an assault, opting for an exam is a personal decision. A sexual assault advocate can help you think through this decision.

If you decide to complete a forensic exam, authorities may advise you not to shower or change your clothes following the assault until after the exam is complete. This is to preserve physical evidence. 

Hospitals and other providers offer the exam, but not every hospital or clinic has a trained expert on staff. To learn more about the process and where to get an exam in your local area, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline. 

4. Follow up with your healthcare provider

Even if you choose not to report the sexual assault to law enforcement, it’s a good idea to talk to your regular healthcare provider. They can provide you options for emergency contraceptives or help you monitor for pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases if necessary. 

In most cases, the information you share with a healthcare provider about your assault will be kept confidential. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, such as if you are underage or a dependent adult. In those cases, mandated reporters such as doctors or therapists are required to bring the information to authorities. 

If you are a minor, social service workers or the police may follow up to make sure you are safe. They may need to talk to you or your parents. While that can sound frightening, it is important that you get the support and healthcare services you need after an assault. 

5. Find ongoing support 

Unfortunately, sexual assault is not uncommon. Hundreds of thousands of people report being assaulted each year, and many more cases go unreported. You can feel confident that you are not alone, and that there are others who understand what you’re going through.

Whether the assault happened hours or years ago, you have a right to emotional and mental support. Peer groups, advocacy centers, and mental health professionals are available to help. Many people find it helpful to talk to a therapist about their feelings following an assault, even if they don’t talk about the details of the incident right away. 

What is considered sexual assault or abuse?

Sexual assault occurs when someone forces sexual activity on another person without their consent. You can be assaulted by someone you know well or by someone you just met. Victims include people of all ages and genders. 

A lack of consent doesn’t just refer to saying “no.” There are many cases where victims did not give consent even though they didn't say "no." For example, if someone is underage or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are not able to give consent. In other cases, a victim may be too afraid or confused to respond during the assault. But that doesn’t mean they have given consent. 

Also, sexual assault doesn’t always refer to rape or intercourse. It can also include actions such as unwanted kissing or groping or showing sexual images to someone without their permission. 

In some cases, victims are hesitant to speak up after a sexual assault because they feel guilt or shame, or because they aren’t sure if they were really assaulted. Remember that you aren’t to blame for what happened to you, and you don’t have to have it all figured out to seek help. You can still ask for support and talk through your thoughts and feelings. 

Sexual assault resources and support

There are many groups and support options that can help you following a sexual assault. Here are some things you can do: 

• Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit RAINN.

• Visit or contact Love is Respect, a national resource created to help teens and young adults. Call 1-866-331-9474, text LOVEIS to 22522, or visit the website. 

• Call 911, especially if you are in immediate danger or the threat is ongoing. 

• Contact your regular healthcare provider. They can help you with medical concerns resulting from the assault, such as preventing pregnancy or testing for STDs. 

• Make an appointment for mental health therapy. Many mental health professionals specialize in treating victims of of sexual assault. They can help you cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the incident. 

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Written by:

Jennie Bedsworth, LCSW

Jennie Bedsworth, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with 20 years of experience in journalism, teaching, and mental health. Prior to completing her master's degree, she wrote for The Furrow magazine and was editor of Missouri Ruralist magazine.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

India B. Gomez, PhD

India B. Gomez, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a certificate in Latin American Family Therapy. She completed her doctoral education at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University.

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