What to do if you have just been sexually assaulted:

• Go to a safe place

• Contact DAWN hotline ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ), or local rape crisis center, or family member or friend that you can trust, so that they can support you.

• If you decide to go to the hospital:

• Do not shower

• Do not bathe

• Do not brush your teeth

• Do not douche or clean yourself

• Do not straighten the area in which the incident happened

• Do tell the nurse if you think you have been drugged

• If you decide to change your clothes, put it in a paper bag and bring with you to the hospital

• At the hospital, Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) will examine and treat you. SANE will also collect evidence.

• Most states immediately involve the police to collect medical and legal evidence.  In Washington, D.C. you are not required to report your assault to police or campus police, but that option is available.

• If you decide not to tell the police, it is still highly suggested you go to the hospital or medical clinic. You may feel OK, but it is important to get checked out for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections/diseases, and other injuries.

DAWN advocate, or local rape crisis center advocate, can accompany you to hospital, court and/or police. We are here to support you and listen to you.  

Remember, this is not your fault. No one deserves to be sexually assaulted.