Sexual Assault Victim Help
Many victims of sexual assault suffer in silence, telling no one about what happened. Embarrassment, fear of not being believed, unfamiliarity with the legal system and support services, and fear of retaliation may all contribute to reluctance to report a sexual assault. We strongly urge anyone who is a victim of sexual assault to report it promptly.
Do not douche, shower, bathe or destroy clothing. All physical evidence, including fluids, hair, clothing, and fingernail scrapings can be very important in criminal proceedings. Prompt reporting gets you into the network of support services more quickly and increases the likelihood that the offender will be caught.
The sooner you report a sexual assault, the more promptly attention can be turned to your medical and emotional needs.