If you have been recently raped or sexually assaulted, it is very important to get medical treatment AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I encourage you to tell your parents or a trusted adult to seek the help that you may need. You can have them take you to a hospital emergency room ask the hospital personnel to call a staff person from the local domestic violence/sexual assault program to be with you to help you through this trauma. This person will explain the exam rape kit and help you with your feelings. This is an extremely difficult time emotionally and you will need all the support you can get.

 

Even days, weeks or months after an assault, a physical exam is still important. You may have contracted a Sexually Transmitted Disease, been exposed to HIV, suffered internal injuries or become pregnant. Your family doctor, gynecologist or local hospital can help. Remember, rape or sexual assault is an act of violence and it is a crime. You need to tell someone in authority. The actual physical rape is only a small part of what you may be experiencing. You may also experience problems emotionally, in future relationships, socially, physically and in your physical health. Every survivor reacts differently. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, remember that it was not your fault. I encourage you to talk to someone about what has happened. Thanks for writing.