Immediate Steps
If you are a caregiver seeking support for a child, these steps may look different. More information on sexual violence involving a child can be found here.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you are not alone. The first few days after a sexual assault can be a very confusing time. You may have questions and be faced with difficult decisions. During this time you may not want, or be ready, to make many of these decisions. This is normal and okay.
When you call:
-
We will listen and not blame you.
-
We will answer your questions courteously and respectfully.
-
We will provide information about your options and your rights.
-
We will respect your feelings and choices.
Go to a Safe Place
Your physical and emotional safety matters. This could be where you live, a friend's place, or a public space where you feel secure. For a guide on planning for your safety, please click here.
Medical Care and Evidence Collection
Seeking medical care can be a natural first step to support physical wellbeing following an assault. Getting medical attention after an assault is very important, even if you do not have visible injuries. Medical care can also include evidence collection and/or making a report to law enforcement but this is not required.
Within 5 days or 120 Hours of an Assault
You can receive a FREE exam at the UVA Emergency Department that can include:
-
Preventative treatments for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
-
Medical assessment and treatment
-
Documentation of injuries
-
Collection of evidence through a Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK)
-
Referrals to community support services
-
In-person accompaniment and support from a trauma-informed SARA Advocate
If possible, avoid the following until after the sexual assault forensic examination:
-
Eating
-
Drinking
-
Smoking
-
Toileting
-
Changing clothes
-
Showering or bathing
More than 5 days or 120 Hours of an Assault
It is never too late to get care. Please seek support from your primary care provider, local department of health, or present to the nearest emergency department. Care after 120 hours can include:
-
Screening for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections
-
Medical assessment and treatment
-
Counseling to address trauma-related concerns
-
sleep issues, anxiety, concentration problems, etc.
-
-
Referrals to community support services
If you would like support in navigating medical care, please call our 24/7 Hotline at 434-977-7273.
Engaging Support
Support can look and feel like many different things including talking with trusted friends and family, consulting with a specially-trained sexual assault advocate, finding a therapist that you trust, or seeking legal support through protective orders or reports.