WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Sexual assault is another word for rape. It means
somebody was made to have sex or perform sexual acts when they
did not want to. It could have been done by someone that they
knew, such as a date or a relative, or by a stranger. It
usually happens to women, but can also happen to men and to
children.
Causes
Rape is not the fault of the
person it happens to. It is not provoked by the victim and
could not have been kept from happening by the
victim.
Signs/Symptoms
Physical injuries such as cuts
and bruises, tears of the vagina and rectum. You may get more
symptoms such as bruises and muscle pain in the next 2 or 3
days. People may react to rape in many different ways.
These include fear, anger, crying, shaking, talking a lot, not
talking at all, and smiling or laughing. Some people show no
signs at all when it happens. Later on, many people feel
guilty, sad, or angry; have sleep problems; are anxious, afraid
of being alone, or want to be alone all the time; or do not
want to have sex any more.
Care
Your doctor will want to examine you to see if you have
been hurt. Samples of your blood, the fluid inside your vagina
or rectum, and urine may be taken. If you reported the sexual
assault to the police, findings from your examination will be
used as evidence. You may be given antibiotic medicines to keep
you from getting an infection from the person who attacked you.
Women may also be given a medicine to keep them from getting
pregnant.
Do's/Don'ts
Do tell your doctor everything
that happened to you. It might be embarrassing, but a doctor
needs to know what happened in order to give you the best care.
Don't feel guilty. You did nothing to cause the sexual assault.
Don't be afraid to talk to someone and get
counseling.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
You may be given antibiotic medicines to keep you
from getting an infection from the person that attacked
you. You may also be given a medicine to keep you from
getting pregnant. Always take your medicine as directed by
your doctor. If you feel it is not helping, call your
doctor. Do not quit taking it.
-
If you are taking antibiotics, take them until they
are all gone even if you feel well. If you have an
infection, you may not know it.
-
Don't wash any clothes that you wore during or right
after the assault. The police may use them to get
evidence.
-
Your doctor will tell you when to call to get the
results of tests that were done during your
examination.
-
It is important that you work through your emotions.
Talk to family or friends. People at a rape assistance
center can provide support and counseling to help you. Many
community agencies have a 24-hour crisis line available for
counseling.
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