Sexual Abuse or Assault (Rape)

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• You think you are in immediate physical danger.
• You or someone else has just been sexually abused or assaulted.
• You have been physically hurt and do not have someone who can safely take you to emergency care.

Note:

Preserve evidence of the attack—do not change clothes, eat, drink, smoke, bathe, brush teeth, or clean up in any way. Write down all the details about the attack and the attacker.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review risk factors that may increase your chance of becoming a victim of sexual abuse or assault.

If you have:

• Been abused by your partner: Go to the topic Domestic Abuse.
• Been physically abused: Go to the topic Physical Abuse.

Note: If you have been sexually abused or assaulted, the National Sexual Assault Hotline (toll-free 1-800-656-4673) or a local rape crisis hotline are resources for you. These resources have free and confidential counseling.

Yes	Have you been sexually abused or assaulted (raped)?
Yes	Do you think or know a child has been sexually abused or assaulted (raped)?
Yes	Has a family member or friend been sexually abused or assaulted (raped)?

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 18, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Brigid McCaw, MD, MS, MPH, FACP - Family Violence Prevention
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.