Sexual Assault: Care Instructions

Overview

Sexual assault includes rape, attempted rape, and any other forced sexual contact. The assault may have been committed by a close friend or family member or by someone you don't know well.

Assault can hurt you physically. It also can hurt you emotionally. It is common to feel sad, scared, or guilty. Remember that the assault wasn't your fault. It is important to continue to get help and support for as long as you need it.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If you do not have a safe place to stay, tell your doctor.
• Talk with a counselor or join a support group to help you deal with your feelings about the assault.
  • Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline for free, confidential counseling. The hotline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673).
  • Call the National Center for Victims of Crime. Help is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., EST, at 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846).
• Identify local resources that can help in a crisis. Your local police department, hospital, or clinic has information on shelters and safe homes.
• If you were attacked by someone that you know, be alert to warning signs, such as threats or drunkenness, so that you can avoid danger.
• Your doctor may have prescribed antibiotics to help fight any infection you may have gotten from the assault. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics. Avoid intercourse until you finish the medicine.
• Your doctor may have prescribed medicine to help prevent a pregnancy. It is a birth control pill called a "morning after" pill. If your next period does not start within 3 weeks, call your doctor to see whether you should take a pregnancy test. Use a backup birth control method, such as spermicide and condoms, until you have a period.
• Your doctor may have prescribed medicine to help prevent infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
  • Be sure to take all medicines exactly as directed.
  • Keep all follow-up appointments and get all follow-up tests.
  • You may have side effects from the medicine. Your doctor can tell you what to expect and what you can do to feel better.
• Your doctor may have given you a shot to prevent hepatitis B, which is spread through sexual contact. If you have not had the hepatitis B vaccine before, you will need two more shots to complete the series.