What Should I Do?

• Find a safe environment — anywhere away from the attacker. Ask a trusted friend to stay with you for moral support.
• Know that what happened was not your fault and that now you should do what is best for you.
• Report the attack to police by calling 911. A counselor on the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE can help you understand the process.
  • Preserve evidence of the attack - don't bathe or brush your teeth.
  • Write down all the details you can recall about the attack & the attacker.
  • Ask the hospital to conduct a rape kit exam to preserve forensic evidence.
  • If you suspect you were drugged, ask that a urine sample be collected. The sample will need to be analyzed later on by a forensic lab.
  • Ask to be taken to Sarah's House Child & Family Advocacy Center
• If you know that you will never report, still consider:
  • Get medical attention. Even with no physical injuries, it is important to determine the risks of STDs and pregnancy.
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, for free, confidential counseling, 24 hours a day: 1.800.656.HOPE.
• Recognize that healing from rape takes time. Give yourself the time you need.
• Know that it's never too late to call. Even if the attack happened years ago, the National Sexual Assault Hotline or the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline can still help. Many victims do not realize they need help until months or years later.