The Steps to Take After Becoming Victim to Sexual Assault

In the United States alone, sexual assault is sadly far too common, with every one in five women raped and half of all women having experienced some kind of sexual violence during their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It can be difficult to know what to do or even how to feel after experiencing a sexual assault, however, the first thing to bear in mind is that it’s never the victim’s fault. If you have been sexually assaulted, then please know that you’re not on your own and help is available to you. Here are the next steps to take – if you’re in immediate danger or are seriously injured, always call 911.

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Step #1. Your Safety Comes First:

Your safety should always be a top priority. If you’re not in a place that helps you to feel safe, whether that’s physically, mentally or both, then consider reaching out to somebody who can help. A trusted friend or relative may offer you their support and a place to stay as you try and come to terms with what you’ve been through and recover from the experience. It can be extremely difficult for some sexual assault victims to seek support, so don’t worry if you’re not finding it easy at first to ask for help. Start with people who already know, love and trust.

Step #2. Legal Action and Criminal Justice:

If you wish, you may want to press charges against your attacker to ensure that they receive the correct justice for their actions. If you know the name of the person who committed the crime against you or are able to give a clear description to the police, then you should provide as much information as you can to help them make sure that this individual isn’t free to attack again. Bringing legal proceedings against somebody who’s sexually assaulted you can be a daunting process, so hire a supportive lawyer who specializes in this type of case. If you wish to testify, you may be able to do so via video link rather than being present in court. The punishments for sexual assault are varied and differ between states – these Fort Worth sexual assault defense lawyers have more information.

Step #3. Your Physical and Mental Health:

Finally, the most important steps to take are the ones where you look after your own physical and mental health. You can come back from this experience a stronger person, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Your first concern should be to have any immediate injuries or issues treated by a doctor; if you report your case to the police they will take you to the hospital where specially trained staff will examine you and provide treatment where required. Over the long-term, sexual assault can significantly impact your mental health. You may wish to seek out a caring, empathetic therapist who’ll help you come to terms with managing your emotions after trauma.

If you need further help and advice, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).