If you've ever seen an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, you might have some idea what happens to rape survivors after they're assaulted. You might even be familiar with terms like "rape kit" or "rape trauma syndrome."
Unfortunately, this stuff doesn't just happen on TV. In fact, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), in the United States alone there's one forced vaginal, oral, or anal penetration every 492 seconds. That's one every eight minutes.
With statistics like those, it's an absolute must that you know exactly what to do should you find yourself dealing with the unthinkable. Read on for questions and answers about handling the aftermath of rape, whether it be for yourself, or to help someone you know.
So what exactly is rape?
First things first: anytime a person — guy or girl — is made to perform a sex act against his or her will, it's rape. This is still true if a person is forced by his or her partner or spouse. Remember, you always have the right to say no. And you always have the right to change your mind.
For more detailed information about defining rape, check out What Is Rape? Some Legal Definitions.
I've been raped. What do I do?
For starters, you should know that you do not have to face this alone. Call someone you trust — a parent, a sibling, a friend — and tell them you need their help. That person can support you through this difficult process.
Now that you have someone you trust by your side, it's a good idea call your local rape crisis center and ask for information about the best approach to medical care, support, and police procedures. You can usually find this number in a local phone book, or on the Internet. If you're not sure where to start, try visiting RAINN's crisis center listing page, or calling them at 1-800-656-HOPE.
It's also a good idea to write everything down that you can remember about your attack and/or your attacker. Things can get very confusing at such an emotional and traumatic time, and - for a variety of reasons - you might not remember what happened later. Getting details you do remember down on paper, scary as that may seem, can be a great help to you and to those investigating your rape later on.
Do I really need to go to the emergency room?
Yes. Going to the hospital immediately is extremely important. And even though it may be your first instinct, don't shower, change your clothes, or brush your teeth before you go to the hospital. These precautions will help to preserve evidence.
Once you're at the ER, ask the doctor caring for you to use a "rape kit" to help collect evidence that might help police identify your attacker. A rape kit is a standard kit with boxes, slides, and bags for collecting and storing evidence pertaining to your rape, like hairs or body fluids. Most of the time, this is standard practice, but you should make sure that you're receiving proper care.
I'm scared I could be pregnant. What can I do?
You can ask your emergency room doctor for emergency contraception (EC), also known as "the morning-after pill." EC is a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It can be started up to five days (120 hours) after sex, so it's a great resource for rape survivors. Remember, the sooner you start EC, the better it will work, so don't wait to discuss this with your ER doctor.
Learn more about EC.
What about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)? I might have been exposed to something.
This is another topic to discuss with those providing your treatment in the ER immediately. Many doctors, emergency rooms, and Planned Parenthood health centers now provide treatment before diagnosis is possible for people who may have been exposed to certain STIs.
This kind of treatment is called post-exposure prophylaxis. The idea is that it's possible to kill the pathogens — the germs, essentially — before they have a chance to take hold in the body. Treatment is available for possible exposure to chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. It is also available for possible exposure to hepatitis B. But more importantly, especially in the case of rape, treatment is available for possible exposure to HIV.
Do I need a medical follow-up?
The results of the STI tests that the ER doctor performs during your initial examination may take a few days, or longer, to come back from the lab. It's a good idea to make an appointment with your own health care provider-someone you already know and trust — to review the results of these tests and discuss ongoing care or treatment if you should need it.
And what about moving on? What do I do now?
After rape, survivors often face all kinds of difficult medical and legal experiences and decisions. But the process of dealing with the assault doesn't end there. The emotional experience of rape can last a very long time.
Survivors often feel overwhelmed or disconnected from their feelings, or both. They may experience nightmares or sexual intimacy problems. There is no correct way to react to rape, but there is a set of common feelings that many survivors experience. Many sexual assault counselors call this rape trauma syndrome (RTS).
To learn more about RTS, check out Rape Trauma Syndrome.
You Are a Survivor
In spite of how difficult rape is to deal with, you should remember that you have survived it and will continue to. Healing is a lifelong process, but you can help it along. You can reach out to your former support network, and put a new one in place. It may be very helpful to seek out post-rape counseling and/or a support group for survivors of rape.
Planned Parenthood is here to help. And the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network can provide counseling, assistance, and resources for survivors.
