CHAPTER SIX

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BEEN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED CALL YOUR DOWNEAST SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES AT
207-667-5304 or 800-492-5550  (desas@downeasthealth.org) 
OR CALL 1-800-871-7741. THEY WILL PUT YOU IN CONTACT WITH
THE CENTER NEAREST YOU.

Support line advocates are there to listen and provide information and resources that can help you make decisions about what to do next.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO DO:

• Get to a safe place.
• Tell someone. You could call family, a friend, the police or your local sexual assault center.
• Do not wash, bathe, douche or change your clothes. Evidence can be collected from your clothes and body that can be used to convict the rapist.
• Seek medical attention for the treatment of injuries and possible sexually transmitted diseases and prevention of pregnancy. Evidence can be collected at the hospital as part of this medical exam.
• Consider reporting the crime to the police.
• Don't blame yourself. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

If you decide to report the assault and/or go to the hospital to receive medical treatment or have evidence collected, here are some things you can expect and that you have the right to receive.

Victims of sexual assault HAVE THE RIGHT:

• To be treated with dignity and respect.
• To receive emergency care with privacy and confidentiality.
• To have an advocate from a local sexual assault center accompany them through the process.
• To have evidence collected accurately and preserved. Evidence should be documented in an objective record that includes the signs and symptoms of physical and emotional trauma.
• To be given clear explanations of procedures, treatment and medications in a language that they understand.
• To refuse treatment and make reasonable complaints.
• To receive protection from future assault.
• To receive medical and mental health referrals regardless of whether the rape is reported to the police.
• Not to be asked details about previous sexual experiences.
• Not to be blamed for the assault.

Chapter One  •  Chapter Two  •  Chapter Three  •  Chapter Four  •  Chapter Five  •  Chapter Six  •  Chapter Seven  •  Chapter Eight  •  Sexual Assault Centers  •  Domestic Violence Projects  •  Table of Contents