Maybe you are reading this because something happened to you — or you think it might have — Maybe it happened to a friend…  the most important thing for you to know right now is this: you are not alone, what happened is not your fault, and there are people ready to help you with no cost and no judgment. People who really care.

If you are in this situation or know someone who is, this guide is written for you.  It will walk you through what you can do in the hours and days after an assault, what your options are if you are worried about pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and how to begin healing whether the assault happened last night or many years ago. Take it at your own pace. You do not have to read it in order. You do not have to do everything in it. It’s a guide, a tool uses it to help. 

Unfortunately, sexual violence affects more people than most of us realize. 1 The most recent National Crime Victimization Survey data published by RAINN website, an estimated 443,635 people age 12 and older in the United States experience sexual violence each year. The CDC's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey has found that approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 14 men in the U.S. have experienced completed or attempted rape in their lifetime. 2

First, know that you are not just a statistic.  We care and want to help.  Second, we realize that while statistics can feel cold when you are the person behind them, they matter for one very important reason: if you feel like the only person this has happened to, you are not. There are millions of survivors. Many of them have found ways to heal, to feel safe again, and to live full lives. So can you.

If you are like many people dealing with this issue, you have a lot of questions.

Feeling confused or upset is common for victims who have experienced rape, sexual assault or violence. You might be feeling hurt, angry and fearful while struggling to figure out what to do next. 

Remember that caring for yourself and getting the support you need is critical. Reach out to trusted friends and family members as well as to local resources like NAME OF CENTER.

What is sexual assault?

Although the legal definition of rape varies from state to state, the WomensLaw.org website defines rape as "forced sexual intercourse.” 3  Their definition of sexual assault is “unwanted sexual contact, often committed by force, including rape.” 4 They clarify that “Force doesn’t always have to be physical force where the perpetrator physically overpowers the victim; force could include psychological coercion.” 3 You might question whether or not you gave consent. 5 However, proper consent is explicit and leaves no room for ambiguity. It is also free of pressure, coercion and threats. 

• If you said “no,” but they kept going, you did not consent. 
• If you were asleep or unconscious, you were physically unable to consent. (This includes being drugged or otherwise incapacitated.)
• If you are a child, you are likely below the legal age of consent in your state. 6

Many rape and assault victims say they feel a sense of shame or guilt about the incident. However, what happened is not your fault. There is never an excuse for sexual violence or predatory behavior. 

If you have been raped or assaulted, do not wait to act. It is crucial to reach out for mental, emotional and legal support right away.

Below is a list of actions you should take immediately following a traumatic experience like rape or sexual assault: 

Whatever you decide to do, talk to someone and get help as soon as possible. Your community will want to support you. You do not have to face this ordeal alone.

"Pregnancy centers and medical clinics play a pivotal role in supporting women during times of crisis,” said Anne O’Connor, a legal expert with the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates. 9

After you have addressed your immediate physical, mental and emotional needs, you should evaluate your legal options. Because every situation is different, it is vital to consult a legal expert for advice on your circumstances. While this article is not a substitute for legal counsel, here are some important choices to consider:

• Depending on where and how rape or sexual assault occurred, you may need to file a complaint. 
  • If the incident involved your coworker or boss, consider reporting the individual to the authorities in your company while seeking legal counsel. 10
  • If the assault happened while you were at school, look into filing a complaint through your educational system in addition to consulting with a legal advisor. 11

• According to WomensLaw.org, you may also be able to file for a civil protection order to preserve your safety. 12

Choosing the best legal course of action after experiencing sexual violence is a personal decision. However, many victims find healing by speaking out about their experiences. Sexual assault, rape and violence are never acceptable behaviors. By choosing to hold the perpetrators of these crimes accountable, you will help protect others in the future.