Immediate Actions

The first few days after a sexual assault can be a very confusing time. You may have questions and be faced with difficult decisions. During this time you may not want, or be ready, to make many of these decisions. This is normal and okay.

You can call our 24-7 hotline at 800-841-8371 any time or chat online 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. to talk to a hotline counselor about your options.

Within 5 days or 120 hours of an assault

  • You can be examined and cared for at an emergency room. The sooner you get to the hospital after an assault, the more options you may have.
  • Preventative treatments for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections may be available. These treatments are most effective the sooner they are taken after an assault.
  • Evidence collection is an option you can choose at the hospital by completing a Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit (SAECK). You do not need to report to the police to have evidence collected, but if you do have evidence collected, you may have more options in the future. Learn more about filing a police report and other legal issues. Learn more about SAECK and toxicology testing.
  • Toxicology testing is available within the first 96 hours after an assault if there are signs that drugs or alcohol may have been used in the assault. You can have a toxicology kit done as part of the sexual assault evidence collection kit if you think that you may have been drugged.
  • If you are going to get evidence collected, you may not want to bathe, shower, or brush your teeth prior to going to the hospital as this can help preserve evidence. If you already have, it is still possible to collect evidence.
  • You will have the option to give the clothing you were wearing during or immediately after the assault as evidence. You will not get this clothing back. Bring the clothing in a clean paper bag to the hospital, or wear the clothing and bring a change of clothes with you.

You can get support. We have specially trained medical advocates who can meet you at the emergency room.

If you have concerns about the hospital exam being billed to your insurance, or your parents’ insurance, you can tell hospital staff.

You can choose not to go to the emergency room and still get support by calling our hotline.

Anytime after 5 days or 120 hours of an assault

  • You can visit your own primary health care provider or a health clinic for medical care. If you do not have a provider, or don’t want to go to them about the sexual assault, call the hotline at 800-841-8371 and they will help you find appropriate medical care.
  • Preventative treatments for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections may still be available. Talk to your health care provider for more information.
  • You still have the option to report to the police. Learn more about filing a police report and other legal issues.

You can still get support by calling our hotline or sending us a message. No matter what decisions you make, know that you have done the best that you can.

Additional Resources

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Get Help Now

Call our 24/7 hotline at 800-841-8371 or send us a message at barcc.org/chat daily from 9:00 a.m –11:00 p.m.

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About Sexual Violence

Get some big-picture context about who is affected by sexual violence, and how it impacts their lives.

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All BARCC Services

Learn more about how BARCC can help.

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Support Groups & Workshops

BARCC hosts support groups and workshops for survivors, partners, family, and friends on a regular basis.