Rape survivors face many decisions in the hours, days, and months following the rape. Sexual assault services do not make decisions for survivors but help them think about options and make choices. Although women are more often the victims of rape than men, male victims face many of the same recovery issues, as well as others that are specific to men.
If You Are A Victim of Rape or Sexual Assault...
- Go to a safe place.
- Do not wash or douche. Do not eat or drink anything if oral sex was involved. Do not remove, touch or destroy anything which may be evidence, including clothing.
- Call the police by dialing 911. Go to a hospital emergency room. North Shore University Medical Center's Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (S.A.N.E.) and Nassau University Medical Center's Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Center (S.A.F.E.) are entirely devoted to treating victims of rape/sexual assault.
- Explain that you have been sexually assaulted and need to be examined.
- Request an advocate from the Coalition by calling the hotline:
516-542-0404 - Request tests for pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis and HIV.
- Consider whether you need safe housing.
- Develop a safety plan.
- Seek out assistance and help from family members or friends whom you trust.
- Consider making a police report if you have not already made one.
- Get confidential counseling from a qualified trauma counselor to help you with dealing with your experience.
