Immediately following a sexual assault, a victim's actions and behaviors are very critical. After the assault, the victim may go to the hospital and have evidence collected. If the victim waits more than 72 hours, he or she may not be able to use any collected evidence in a court of law. However, it is best to always encourage a victim to get a rape kit done no matter how long ago the assault. If a victim comes to you immediately after a sexual assault and asks for your help suggest the following steps:
- Comfort the victim and let them know that it is not their fault. Victims of sexual assault often blame themselves for the incident, which can add to the physical, emotional, and mental damage that has been done as a result of the assault.
- Direct the victim to the nearest Sexual Assault or Rape Crisis Center for immediate information, resources, crisis intervention and support. There, the victim can gain the emotional support needed to cope with the assault. Someone from the center may accompany the victim to the hospital.
- Inform the victim that he or she should go directly to the hospital emergency room to be examined for injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, or possible pregnancy and collection of evidence.
- Encourage victim to ask medical professionals about information on emergency contraception.
- It is important to preserve evidence after the assault by:
- Not smoking
- Not showering, bathing or washing hands
- Not eating, drinking or brushing teeth
- Not combing hair or cleaning under nails
- Not going to the bathroom. This is especially important if the use of date rape drugs was a possibility. If you must use the bathroom, collect urine to bring to the hospital.
- Not changing clothes. If you must remove clothing, put all item in PAPER BAGS so as not to confound evidence.
- If relevant, do not touch any objects at the scene of the crime.
- Try to recall details of the event and the attacker's appearance, height, clothing, words, etc. (if you do not know him or her).
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