Immediately After a Rape…

Get somewhere safe. You may be feeling confused, devastated, in disbelief, or trapped. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need help getting somewhere safe and stable, call someone you trust or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1800-656-HOPE (4673).

Go to the hospital, even if you are undocumented or uninsured. You will not be asked about, or turned away for these reasons. You may have unseen injuries, and you will need testing and treatment for possible STDs and/or pregnancy. Do not change clothes, use the bathroom, or tidy yourself or the location in any way. Let the emergency dispatcher or first contact at the hospital know you were raped. A specialized nurse will examine you, and if you want to, will collect forensic evidence. You can have this evidence collected even if you do not want to report the rape to police—your evidence may aid a previously reported case.

Call someone you trust. Allow that person to care for you through this difficult moment. Try to communicate what you want, or if it’s easier, communicate what you don’t want.

Seek emotional/mental care. Talk to someone. Consider professional counseling. The National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rain.org) will connect you to your nearest rape crisis center; most offer free counseling and over-the-phone support.

This article originally published in the March 9, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.