PAVE
Shatter the Silence of Sexual Violence
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What to do if you are assualted
- Get
to a safe place and call someone you trust. If you don't have anyone
to call you can call
Tri-County Council on their toll free number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-236-1222.
- Don't
shower, wash your clothing or even comb your hair.
- If
you've been injured, seek medical attention right away so they can access
the damages and for
possible protection against a sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy.
- Report
the assault to the police. Note: Telling the police does not mean that
you have to prosecute (go to trial).
- If
you do want to prosecute, it is essential to have a rape exam at a hospital
emergency room soon after the assault. To increase your options later,
this exam is recommended, even if you are unsure about prosecution.
- Following a sexual assault, you may feel shock, embarrassment, shame, guilt, disbelief, anger, anxiety or nothing at all. These are all normal reactions to a violent crime.
Remember, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.
Sometimes months or even years after an assault, survivors re-experience feelings they had immediately following the attack. Counseling or support groups may help at these times.
Decisions made after a sexual assault are difficult; there are no right answers, only what is right for you. Get the support you deserve.
*Some of these taken from the Tri-County Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault