What to
Do If You Have Been Sexually Assaulted
- Get to a safe place.
- Call a friend or family member to
be with you.
- It is advisable to
report a sexual assault, even an unsuccessful attempt. The information you
provide may prevent another person from being assaulted. When you
report a sexual assault, any information you can remember about the attack
will be helpful - the assaulter's physical characteristics, voice,
clothes, car or even an unusual smell. You may remember more details
later; you can add those details when you remember them.
- If you have been
sexually assaulted, calling the police as soon as possible is helpful; do
not bathe or change your clothes. Semen, hair and material under
fingernails or on your clothing all may be useful in identifying and
prosecuting the assaulter. If the assault occurred in the Education
Services Center, call the Sheriffs at (213) 761-6003. If the assault
occurred elsewhere, call 911.
- Many survivors
find it very helpful to contact a rape
treatment center, where qualified staff members may
assist you in dealing with your trauma. If you are unable to make the
contact yourself, you can have a friend, family member or law enforcement
person make the call.
- Finally, while
many individuals mistakenly blame themselves for the assault, nothing you
did or did not do caused this assault. That resulted
from the actions of your attacker. You are a victim, not a
perpetrator. Being sexually assaulted is not a crime - the
crime was committed by the person who assaulted you.