- Know that each woman reacts
differently to trauma; there are no "rights" and
"wrongs."
- Call your local Rape Crisis
Center or Victims Rights Group. A volunteer will accompany
you to the hospital.
-
Your check-up will include
evidence collecting, so it's important not to shower before
going to the hospital. You may not want to press charges
now, but if you change your mind later, it will help your
case. You will also receive drugs to prevent pregnancy and
STD's.
- The hospital should contact
the police, if you request. Remember, reporting the crime
does not oblige you to press charges or appear in court.
Should you choose to wait, a volunteer will still accompany
you to the police. It's OK to contact the police even if
much time has passed.
- Go home, bathe, rest and
recover will the love, support and acceptance of people
who care. Don't keep this to yourself!
- Seek counseling and support
for dealing with feelings that may arise weeks, months,
or years later.
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