getting help

Have you just been raped or sexually assaulted?

The first thing to do if you have just been raped or sexually assaulted is to make sure that you are in a safe place.  You are probably still in shock so try to remain calm. 

Secondly, remember that however you feel, you are not to blame.  You are not alone, there are people who can help you. 

 There are several things you can do.

•Understand that this was not your fault. There was nothing you could have done to prevent the assault.  Nothing you did gave anyone the right to do this.  The fault lies entirely with the person who raped sexually assaulted you. 

•Talk to someone about what has happened.  You can call the helpline (0808 802 99 99), or contact your nearest Rape Crisis Centre 

•Or talk to a friend or family member, someone you trust to support you. Ideally this person will come with you if you decide to do any of the following (alternatively, your local Rape Crisis Centre may be able to arrange someone to go with you).

If you are not sure what you want to do, go along, with a friend, to your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) where you can have a forensic and medical examination (including tests for sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy). They can store the forensic results until you make up your mind whether to report to the police or not. SARC's have specially trained experienced professionals who can give you medical help and advice. They can also help and support you through the immediate trauma.

If you are not sure where there is a SARC you can contact the NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or go to the website at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or contact your local doctor or Accident and Emergency hospital. If you can take a friend you can trust with you.  

If you decide to report to the police ... if possible:

• Do not wash
• Do not brush your teeth
• Do not have a cigarette
• Do not eat or drink
• Do not change your clothes (or keep them safely to one side)
• Try not go to the toilet
• Do not clear up anything from the area of the incident.

Don't worry if you have already done some of these things. It is quite possible that there is still evidence to collect as well as injuries that can be documented.

Rape Trauma Syndrome is a recognised crisis response to rape or sexual assault and is a term sometimes used to help explain the impact of sexual violence. Immediately after being assaulted you may feel shock, denial, disbelief and a determination to carry on as if nothing has happened. In the longer term you may experience insomnia, nightmares or flashbacks. However, there is no right or wrong way to react to sexual violence. You may wonder if you should or should not be feeling a certain way, or how long you should feel it for, or whether you should be 'over it by now'.

Whatever you do feel is valid and right in respect to how you're feeling. Each woman responds in her own way. If you can talk about your feelings with other women it can help you to understand your responses and can start to help you to regain some control over your own life.

Contact your nearest Rape Crisis Centre.

Follow @RapeCrisisEandW