What to Do if You're Assaulted

In case of emergency call 911 and your local rape crisis center. If you were sexually assaulted in the past, it is important to get a medical check-up. You may decide it would be best to go to the hospital emergency room for treatment and examination. From Marin and Contra Costa Counties, call the Community Violence Solutions 24-Hour hotline at 800 670-7273 (RAPE) In this region, you may request a medical exam without obtaining your parent's or family's consent if you are twelve years of age or older. (Check with your local rape crisis center for other regions).

It is your legal right to have a victim advocate (a trained crisis counselor) present to support you throughout the report to the police, at the hospital, and during legal proceedings.

In order to collect necessary evidence, we recommend that after a sexual assault, one should not change clothes, wash, douche, or disturb anything in the physical surroundings until the nurse at the hospital conducts an investigation.

You have the right to…
Have a sexual assault counselor accompany you through all medical, law enforcement, and legal proceedings.

File a police report and receive assistance regardless of the relationship of the assailant to you.
A sign language or spoken language interpreter.
Ask questions and receive answers about any tests, exams, medications, treatments or forms; the right to refuse any procedures; and to be informed of any necessary follow-up care and testing.

Be treated with respect, dignity, and courtesy regardless of your race, age, gender, class, lifestyle, sexual orientation, or occupation.

SAFETY TIPS...

Use the buddy system: leave with the friends you came with.
Don’t leave your drink unattended; dump it out if you leave it.
Have drinks made in front of you.