• Your immediate safety is important. Go to a safe place such as a friend or family member’s home.
• Get support. Local sexual assault programs can provide free and confidential support and advocacy for you and your friends and family.
• Protect your health. You may have a range of health concerns as a result of the sexual violence. It is best to seek medical care as soon as possible.
• Reporting the violence is your choice. Depending on the type of sexual violence you’ve experienced, you may consider reporting to law enforcement, an employer, a school official, or other person. Many factors may weigh into your decision to report or not to report the violence. There is no right way to handle the effects of sexual violence. If you decide to report the violence to someone, it is important to explore the potential effects of the report on your work, school career, and all areas of your life. A local sexual assault program advocate will be able to more fully help you understand the process in your area and to support you through it. If you decide not to report to anyone, you are still fully entitled to advocacy services and medical care.