Background

Rape is when any type of sexual activity is forced upon you without your consent.  Rape can range from touching to penetration. Under all circumstances, rape is a crime. Nobody can take advantage of you sexually without your permission.  Rape is a crime even when the person who committed the rape is someone you know including a spouse or another member.  Rape is often committed by someone who is known such as a friend or a coworker.  Rape is a crime even if you didn't (or couldn't) fight back. It's a crime even if you were drinking, using drugs, or were drugged by the attacker.  Rape is a crime even if you were dressed in a sexually provocative manner.  Rape is a crime even if you were not conscious when attacked.  And, rape is not just a crime that is committed on women.  Anyone can be a victim of rape even men, children or the elderly.  Rape is a crime of anger and anger is often taken out on the most vulnerable in our society. 

• If you're raped, it is imperative to find a safe location away from the scene of the attack and somewhere that your attacker cannot find you. Get to the emergency room of your local hospital as soon as possible.  As much as you may want to change clothing or take a shower this is exactly what you should not do. Changing and showering will destroy valuable evidence that can help to punish your attacker.  It is important to get to the emergency room first and call the police from that location. Most hospitals have what is referred to as a S.A.R.T. (Sexual Assault Response Team) which includes a doctor or nurse, local law enforcement, and a victim advocate.
• In the emergency room the doctor will examine your body for injuries.  At the same time he will collect vital evidence that can be used by law enforcement to prosecute the rapist. Often, this evidence is in the form of clothing fibers, semen, hairs, or saliva and may contain crucial identifying characteristics.  The evidence will be collected using a standard rape kit that includes collection boxes, microscope slides and plastic bags for collecting and storing evidence. This evidence is what may be used in court to prosecute the rapist.
• The doctor will also take urine and blood samples that will be used to determine if any sexual diseases were transmitted during the rape.  Also, these tests may be used to determine if a pregnancy has taken place.  It may take several days for these cultures to show results and you will need to follow-up with you personal physician.

• If you are on any type of birth control such as the birth control pill or have an intrauterine device (IUD) the chances of pregnancy are small.  You may have the option of taking a pregnancy prevention treatment which consists of two hormone bills that you will take while at the hospital and two additional pills you will take about twelve hours later.  Statistically, the risk of getting a sexually transmitted disease as a result of a rape is about 5% to 10%. The doctor may provide you with antibiotics that will eliminate the most common sexually transmitted diseases.  You may also consider being vaccinated for hepatitis B if you have not already been vaccinated. Fortunately, the changes of contracting HIV from a rape is less tan one percent but preventative treatment is available in the form of two medications -- zidovudine (brand name: Retrovir) and lamivudine (brand name: Epivir) -- for 4 weeks.

   

  What to do next

   

  Often, a rape can result in a large emotional impact on your daily life. You may be angry, upset, depressed, or sad. You may feel disbelief, fear, anxiety and guilt. You may have other physical symptoms of stress such as difficulty sleeping or stomach upset. Statistically, it's been reported that about fifty percent of rape victims can be depressed for the first year after their attack. We strongly recommend that you be very proactive about making and keeping your doctor appointments and seek psychotherapy if you are having emotional problems.  Speak candidly with your medical doctor and you therapist about your physical, emotional and sexual feelings during this time.

   

  There are many support services available to help you through this difficult time.  You do not have to go through this alone. Often, your family, or significant other may not be the best person to share your feelings with since they too may be experiencing emotional stress as a result of your rape.  Ask your doctor for referrals or use some of the links under the resources section of this article.  There are social workers, local rape crisis services, your local public health department and the state attorney general's office who are all prepared to assist you.
  
  Sexual assault is a terrible crime. Remember that it is not your fault and you did not cause it to happen.  Rape is a crime and you are encouraged to report this crime to the police.  You also have the right to be treated with respect and sensitivity throughout the process.