What should be done immediately after a sexual assault or rape?

You are NOT alone and it is NOT your fault!

1. Go to a safe place.
2. Talk to someone you trust.
3. Preserve all physical evidence.
   a. Do not change your clothing (including socks and shoes), bathe, shower or use the bathroom, brush your teeth, wash your face or hands, comb your hair or drink liquids.
   b. Your clothing (if changed) should be put in a PAPER (not plastic) bag.
4. Seek medical care: a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) kit can be done by a SAFE nurse at local hospitals at no cost.

Preservation of evidence and/or having a SAFE kit done does not obligate you to report the assault to the police but it is a way to keep that option open. Preserving evidence may also assist in proving that alleged criminal offense occurred or may be helpful in obtaining a protection order.

Find a list of support resources.